Borussia Dortmund has seized a critical position to acquire another Bellingham, Jobe Bellingham (20, Sunderland).
German Sky Sports reported on the 4th (Korea time) that "Jobe Bellingham has decided to transfer to Borussia Dortmund. Only negotiations between the clubs remain," and added, "Now, Dortmund just needs to finalize the transfer fee with AFC Sunderland."
Jobe has been reportedly contemplating between Eintracht Frankfurt and Dortmund. The decisive turning point was a single "secret meeting." Dortmund's Hans-Joachim Watzke and head coach Niko Kovač flew to Birmingham, England, shortly after last month's DFB-Pokal final. Their sole purpose was to persuade Jobe directly. Watzke, although no longer involved in the club's sports operations, decided to take action after internal persuasion.
At this meeting, Watzke requested Jobe to become a key part of the "Dortmund project," which served as a significant emotional appeal. Sky Sports reported, "At that time, Jobe was still leaning towards Frankfurt, but after this meeting, his mind completely changed."
Dortmund has launched a comprehensive offensive, including this meeting. Lars Ricken (sports executive), Sebastian Kehl (sports director), and head coach Kovač, along with the chief scout, flew directly to England to meet Jobe and his family, sharing their long-term plans. Kehl even met Jobe separately while he was on vacation in Ibiza.
Ultimately, Jobe conveyed his "intent to join" Dortmund orally on the afternoon of the 3rd. Along with this, he politely expressed his intention to decline to Frankfurt.
According to reports, Jobe chose the project over money. Both sides are currently negotiating the detailed salary conditions, but Jobe is already aware of the salary structure his older brother Jude Bellingham initially received at Dortmund, and he is expected to sign a contract with a base annual salary of €3.5 million (about 5.5 billion won), including maximum bonuses amounting to €5 million (about 7.8 billion won). The contract period is likely to be set for 5 years.
Variables remain, particularly regarding the transfer fee. Sunderland has reportedly set a maximum buyout of €40 million (about 63 billion won) for Jobe's transfer after being promoted to the Premier League, but the actual transfer is likely to occur at a lower amount. Sky reported, "Actual negotiations are likely to be finalized at a fixed €25 million + bonuses of €5 million."
In this process, Sunderland's CEO, 28-year-old Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, and Dortmund's top executives are directly coordinating. It remains uncertain whether the negotiations can be concluded within this week.
Jobe wishes to participate in the club World Cup immediately after joining Dortmund. He has already expressed his intention to the England Football Association to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup under Dortmund instead of being called up for the U-21 national team.
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