Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham has verbally agreed to join Borussia Dortmund, sources have told Football Insider.
The attacking midfielder, 19, is ready to finalise terms with the German giants day after clinching promotion to the Premier League with Sunderland on Saturday (24 May).
Bellingham has held talks with Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt in recent days but sources have said that the younger brother of Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham is most convinced by the offer from Dortmund.
It would mean him following the same path as Jude, who has told his sibling the benefits of life in Germany with the club.
Bellingham has been influential for Sunderland this campaign, and had a brilliant performance in the play-off final, but it now seems as if the Englishman is ready to make a move.
Premier League clubs set to miss out on Jobe Bellingham amid Dortmund breakthrough
The 19-year-old has been a standout performer at the Stadium of Light since his arrival in the North East, registering four goals and three assists in 40 appearances.
A move away from Sunderland has been rumoured throughout the season, with both Tottenham and Chelsea showing interest in Bellingham.
However,. earlier on Monday (26 May), it was reported that Bellingham had travelled to Germany for talks with Eintracht Frankfurt. But it now appears that Borussia Dortmund are in pole position, with the player convinced more by their offer.
Despite Sunderland earning promotion to the Premier League, and hopes that top-flight football might be enough to keep him at the club, the England youth international seems set to follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps by making the switch to the Bundesliga.
Sunderland could target Jordan Henderson in shock transfer return
Finding a replacement for Bellingham will be no small task, but Regis Le Bris’ side may turn to a familiar face for a solution.
Former chairman Niall Quinn has urged Sunderland to consider a move for Jordan Henderson following their return to the Premier League.
Quinn, who spent eight years at the club and oversaw Henderson’s transfer to Liverpool in 2011, believes the midfielder’s experience could prove invaluable.
Henderson is currently at Ajax following his brief stint in Saudi Arabia. While it remains to be seen whether a return to the North East becomes a reality, the leadership and pedigree he offers could make him an ideal figure to guide Sunderland through their Premier League comeback.
