Borussia Dortmund CEO explains how ‘very close relationship’ convinced Real Madrid star Jude’s brother to make transfer from Sunderland
Borussia Dortmund CEO explains how ‘very close relationship’ convinced Real Madrid star Jude’s brother to make transfer from Sunderland
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has revealed his role in convincing Jobe Bellingham to follow his brother’s path by joining from Sunderland.
Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has disclosed the personal steps he took to secure the transfer of Jobe from Sunderland. Watzke leveraged a longstanding relationship with the Bellingham family to assure Jobe and ease concerns about living in the shadow of his older brother, Real Madrid star Jude. Dortmund agreed a deal worth up to €38 million (£32m/$43m), a club-record incoming fee for Sunderland, including add-ons and a reported 15 per cent sell-on clause. Jobe joins on a five-year contract until 2030 and has already featured at the Club World Cup for Dortmund.
Jobe Bellingham is ‘extraordinary’ – Borussia Dortmund CEO explains how ‘very close relationship’ convinced Real Madrid star Jude’s brother to make transfer from Sunderland
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has revealed his role in convincing Jobe Bellingham to follow his brother’s path by joining from Sunderland.
Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has disclosed the personal steps he took to secure the transfer of Jobe from Sunderland. Watzke leveraged a longstanding relationship with the Bellingham family to assure Jobe and ease concerns about living in the shadow of his older brother, Real Madrid star Jude. Dortmund agreed a deal worth up to €38 million (£32m/$43m), a club-record incoming fee for Sunderland, including add-ons and a reported 15 per cent sell-on clause. Jobe joins on a five-year contract until 2030 and has already featured at the Club World Cup for Dortmund.
Watzke stated his “very close relationship” helped convince the 19-year-old to opt for Dortmund over other suitors. Bellingham was pivotal for Sunderland’s promotion last season and was named Championship Young Player of the Year. Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl and managing director Lars Ricken both praised Jobe’s maturity and leadership while highlighting his potential as a dynamic presence in midfield. The transfer was completed ahead of the Club World Cup, allowing Bellingham to contribute immediately and withdraw from England’s U21 Euro squad.
