Jude Bellingham (22, Real Madrid)'s younger brother Jo Bellingham (20, Sunderland) is on the verge of making his debut in Germany. The next destination increasingly seems to be Borussia Dortmund, like his older brother Jude.
The British 'Daily Mail' reported on the 31st (Korea time) that "Borussia Dortmund's Director General Sebastian Kehl has recently held further negotiations with Jo Bellingham's side. Jo plans to decide on a transfer right after leading the team to promotion in the Premier League."
Eintracht Frankfurt has already made a strong move for Jo by showcasing their facilities, but this offer was declined. German 'Sport1' reported on the 29th that "Jo ultimately rejected the transfer to Frankfurt. Like his brother Jude, he may continue his career at Dortmund." RB Leipzig also showed interest, but with the failure to qualify for European competitions, they are now seen as a less realistic option.
Jo Bellingham is a key resource responsible for the midfield at Sunderland. In the last season of the English Championship, he played 40 matches, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists, contributing to the team's promotion to the Premier League. Regarded as a versatile midfielder, he proved his presence with 7 goals and 1 assist in 45 matches in the 2023-2024 season.
His potential has also been proven by awards. He was selected as 'Championship Young Player of the Year' and received the very trophy that his brother Jude Bellingham won five years ago. This marks the beginning of overlapping career trajectories for the brothers.
Borussia Dortmund is already putting effort into the transfer work. Previously, German 'Sky Sports' reported that "Dortmund's executives and head coach Niko Kovac personally visited Newcastle to interview Jo." This was an unprecedented approach, with the technical director and chief scout all involved.
Sunderland naturally hopes to remain. However, if Jo transfers, Birmingham City, where he spent his youth, will receive 15% of the transfer fee, which is currently estimated to be around €30 million (about 46.7 billion won).
The decision is imminent. The 'Daily Mail' reported that "Jo is expected to finalize his career path within this week. The case of his brother Jude growing into a top-level player at Dortmund is influencing his choice."
Jude transferred to Real Madrid after spending three years at Dortmund and lifted the Champions League trophy this season. Following a video call with his brother right after the playoff final, all eyes in German football are on whether Jo will choose the same path.
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