Jobe Bellingham reportedly held a meeting in Ibiza with Borussia Dortmund as he could follow brother Jude's path to the Bundesliga club.
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Bellingham in demand after Sunderland campaignDortmund remain keen to sign him in the summerBVB have backup in Jashari if deal fails to go throughFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Sunderland midfielder, fresh from a promotion-winning campaign, is said to be weighing his next move as interest from Germany gathers momentum. While both Bellingham brothers are enjoying downtime at Ocean Beach Ibiza, the younger sibling has used the opportunity for more than just relaxation. Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, met Jobe on the island in an effort to persuade the teenager to make the switch to the Bundesliga giants, reports.
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Prior to the encounter with Kehl, Bellingham had been courted by another German side, Eintracht Frankfurt. The 19-year-old traveled to Germany recently and toured Frankfurt’s facilities, sparking speculation that a move was close. However, it appears Jobe opted against joining the club, reportedly unimpressed after viewing the stadium and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Kehl used the Ibiza meeting to personally outline Dortmund’s vision for Jobe, highlighting how the club could aid in his development, just as they did with Jude.
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While the focus remains on securing Bellingham, Dortmund are also keeping their options open. Should their efforts fall short, Luzern midfielder Ardon Jashari has been identified as a potential alternative. The 22-year-old Swiss international has impressed Dortmund’s scouting network, which has been tracking him for some time. Jashari is expected to command a transfer fee in the region of €30 million (£25m/$34m), similar to what Sunderland would demand for Bellingham.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR JOBE?
Back in the UK, newly-promoted Sunderland are working hard to keep hold of their talented midfielder. With the Black Cats returning to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016–17 season, the club sees Bellingham as a cornerstone for their top-flight campaign.
He played an instrumental role in Sunderland’s successful Championship season, making 40 appearances, scoring four goals, and providing three assists. His performances were pivotal in the club’s push for promotion, capped off by a play-off final victory over Sheffield United at Wembley. With serious interest from multiple clubs and a Premier League season ahead with Sunderland, the teenager must now decide between continuing his rise in England or embracing a new challenge abroad.
