Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham has been linked to Borussia Dortmund for several years, dating back to when his brother, Jude, played for the club. But after Jobe’s Sunderland won promotion to the English Premier League, the BVB bosses decided to amp up their pursuit of the talented young player.
The pursuit of Jobe has become more complicated recently, and the acquisition of the 19-year-old’s signature has turned into something of a poker game between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt. While BVB is trying to seal Bellingham’s signature before the beginning of the Club World Cup next month, both Dortmund and Frankfurt can still offer UEFA Champions League football next season, which is one of the biggest draws of either side.
Sky Sports journalist, Patrick Berger reports that Borussia Dortmund boss Hans Jaochim Watzke traveled to England Monday morning after learning that Jobe Bellingham was heading to Frankfurt for a tour of their facilities, and meetings to discuss what the Eagles can offer the young Englishman.
While Borussia Dortmund have maintained a close relationship with the Bellinghams since Jude’s departure for Real Madrid two years ago, it’s Jude’s legacy that could dissuade Jobe from joining the Black and Yellows. The Englishman could wish to forge his own path, one that could see him join Eintracht.
Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that Eintracht CEO, Florian Krösche and the Frankfurt team showed the Bellinghams the city of Frankfurt and their team offices. Additionally, Jobe will be expected to be a key player for the Eagles in both the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League.
It’s hard to say what will happen now, but Jobe’s decision is expected by the end of the week.