Sunderland have agreed to a “extraordinary” arrangement following Jobe Bellingham’s transfer to Borussia Dortmund.
Bellingham verbally agreed to join Dortmund before the official confirmation on June 10, according to an exclusive report from May 28.
The 19-year-old is now the Black Cats’ most expensive transfer, costing an initial £27 million plus an additional £4 million in add-ons.
The midfielder is following in the footsteps of his brother, Jude Bellingham, who spent three years at Dortmund from 2020-2023.
Bellingham’s sale, according to finance expert Stefan Borson, demonstrates the difficulty promoted sides face in competing, particularly given Brighton’s £30 million signing of 18-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas.
Bellingham’s final game for Regis Le Bris’ team was a Championship play-off final victory over Sheffield United, which earned them promotion back to the Premier League.
In 43 Sunderland appearances during the 2024-25 season, the teenager scored four goals and assisted three times.
Sunderland made a large profit following confirmed news.
Borson stated that Sunderland’s decision to bank the profit on Bellingham, who was signed from Birmingham City for about £3 million in 2023, is understandable.
He told Football Insider, “It’s difficult for them to turn down that kind of money.
“It is an incredible fee. I believe the majority of people would consider it a fairly reasonable charge.
“I believe it does show the difficulties that promoted teams face, as well as the disadvantages that come with selling a 19-year-old talent for about £30 million while Brighton buys an 18-year-old for £30 million.
“It’s so difficult for the promoted teams to compete, but you can understand why Sunderland would bank that profit and look to see where they could reinvest it.”
Sunderland scramble to sign Vladimir Coufal.
Sunderland are interested in signing Vladimir Coufal on a free transfer, according to reports that were exclusively disclosed on June 11.
Fellow promoted sides In addition to Wolves and Fulham, Leeds United and Burnley are keeping an eye on the Czech Republic international. The 32-year-old right-back became a free agent this summer after his contract with West Ham expired after five years.
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