Borussia Dortmund is reportedly closing in on the signing of Jobe Bellingham, confident they can secure the deal ahead of rival Eintracht Frankfurt. A key part of Dortmund`s pitch is the opportunity for the young midfielder to participate in the upcoming Club World Cup.
The German club is ready to table an offer worth £21 million, potentially rising with add-ons, for the 19-year-old from Sunderland.
While Frankfurt is also willing to match Dortmund`s financial terms, reports suggest Dortmund holds the advantage in negotiations.
Dortmund is pushing to finalize the transfer swiftly, aiming to have Bellingham available for their Club World Cup opener against Brazilian side Fluminense in New Jersey on June 17th.
This potential move echoes his older brother Jude Bellingham`s path, who also joined Dortmund from Birmingham five years ago for £25 million. Jude`s successful spell in the Bundesliga was a springboard for his eventual transfer to Real Madrid.
Jude`s positive experience in Germany is understood to be a significant factor influencing Jobe`s desire to move to the Bundesliga, a preference shared by his parents and representatives, Mark and Denise.
Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has reportedly held extensive discussions with Jobe, who played a key role in Sunderland`s promotion to the Premier League last season.
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl is leading negotiations, engaging directly with both Sunderland officials and Jobe Bellingham`s parents.
Despite their promotion, Sunderland is keen to retain the promising youngster and may demand a fee closer to £25 million.
Dortmund secured their spot in the Club World Cup based on UEFA`s four-year ranking system, while Real Madrid qualified as winners of the 2022 Champions League.
Interestingly, both brothers honed their skills in the youth academy at Birmingham City, making Dortmund the second club where they would have both worn the colours.
Following Sunderland`s successful promotion campaign, Jude and Jobe were seen celebrating together, including a visit to Wayne Lineker`s beach club in Ibiza.
Jude, the Real Madrid star, later joined his England national teammates in Barcelona to attend the Spanish Grand Prix.
A move to Dortmund could potentially pave the way for Jobe to receive his first senior call-up to the England national team.
Both brothers have experienced significant triumphs at Wembley Stadium; Jobe recently won the play-off final there, following his brother Jude lifting the Champions League trophy with Carlo Ancelotti`s Real Madrid a year prior.
