On Thursday, Ruhr Nachrichten stated Borussia Dortmund are intensifying efforts to sign Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham in the summer window.
They also stated BVB manager Niko Kovač, managing director Lars Ricken, and sporting director Sebastian Kehl, travelled to Newcastle to hold talks on Wednesday.
WAZ backs that up and says the German club’s interest in the Sunderland star is ‘becoming more concrete’.
They also explain why Borussia Dortmund’s ‘chances are good’ to secure the 19-year-old’s services. His brother, Jude, spent three years at the Signal Iduna Park before he was sold to Real Madrid in 2023.
BVB have long been skeptical of whether the Sunderland star is anywhere near as good as his brother and therefore whether to bet on him. Those doubts seem to have been dismissed after his performances for the Black Cats this season.
WAZ state Dortmund’s delegation didn’t travel to England ‘just to get a feel of things’. It’s clear that they are serious about signing the youngster valued at €25m by Régis Le Bris’ side. Their close ties with his family can also be a factor that could favour them.
Kovač’s side are currently fifth, a point behind fourth placed SC Freiburg, with two games to go. A move for Bellingham will become difficult if they miss out on the Champions League.
WAZ state qualifying for the Europe’s elite club competition will lead to more revenue. It’s also attractive sporting wise, which could make it much easier to convince Bellingham.
The German club have decided not to retain Carney Chukwuemeka, on loan from Chelsea, beyond this season, so they can sign Bellingham.
These are the factors that speak in favour of a transfer of the England U21 international to Borussia Dortmund. They still have to negotiate with both the player’s camp and Sunderland to get ahead of other interested parties.
