Dortmund CEO explains how Jobe Bellingham was convinced to join

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has revealed his role in convincing Jobe Bellingham to follow his brother’s path by joining from Sunderland.

Jobe Bellingham continued in the footsteps of his brother Jude Bellingham by joining the Bundesliga side this summer. 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.

He signed a five-year contract until 2030 and has already featured at the Club World Cup for Dortmund.

Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has now disclosed the personal steps he took to secure the transfer of Jobe. 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.

Watzke stated his “very close relationship” helped convince the 19-year-old to opt for Dortmund over other suitors.

Jobe Bellingham played for Dortmund during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 tournament. (Photo by Carl Recine – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Speaking on Jobe’s transfer Watzke said to Sky: “There were several alternatives before Jobe, and then Lars [Ricken] and Sebastian [Kehl] asked me – because they know I’ve had a very close relationship with the Bellingham family and Jobe for many years – to try to make a statement. So I went, and it worked out quite well. I really have a very, very good relationship with Jobe, which goes a bit beyond what you normally have with a player. At least that didn’t hurt. Jobe is an extraordinary player, an extraordinary person, and I’m happy he’s here.”

Jobe Bellingham was pivotal for Sunderland’s promotion last season and was named Championship Young Player of the Year.

He is set to be wearing Dortmund’s number seven shirt. He will compete for a key midfield role in Niko Kovac’s side as they prepare for the Bundesliga and Champions League campaigns.

The club expect Bellingham to develop as a leader and strengthen their midfield options, with upcoming fixtures including the Bundesliga opener.