JOBE SOLD

Sunderland have sold Jobe Bellingham to German giants Borussia Dortmund for a club record fee. He joined Sunderland with a mission to get us back in the Premier League and since doing so, he now departs to Germany to embark on a new chapter.

Jobe joined us as a young lad from Birmingham, trying to make a name for himself, much like his older brother Jude had already began doing so. He joined a squad full with potential and youth and he had been used in a few positions for us, all across the midfield, in a two or a three and even upfront as a striker on a few occasions.

Season after season he kept making massive strides in his development, as well as filling out and becoming a real dominant presence on the ball. He was pivotal to our promotion to the Premier League, without him in the side we looked like a different team. Not only that, but his passion for the club was as clear as day. He understood what it meant to put the shirt on, and always gave us 110%, like the last ditch tackle in the play off semis against Coventry.

He joins a side who will be looking to challenge for all the major honours in Germany, as well as competing in the Champions League. Not only that, but they are one of the best teams in the world at spotting talent and helping them thrive to move on to even bigger and better things.

The sale of Bellingham is also our new record sale for a player, knocking Jordan Pickford off top spot, and he turned out to be a canny player. Not only that, but he's pocketed us a pretty return from our investment in him two years ago. In a world ruled by profit and sustainability requirements, that profit could prove vital as we look to strengthen for the Premier League.

SPEAKMAN

“I had no doubts that Jobe would develop with us at Sunderland. He has an unrelenting commitment to improvement that only the very best possess, and his progression is clear for all to see. Less obvious are the sacrifices and the challenges along the way, and I couldn’t be prouder of how he’s conducted himself and embraced the Club, the community, and our supporters. He’s lived and breathed Sunderland every step of the way. For our Club, it’s another representation of the strength of our strategy and what’s possible. Jobe wanted to create his own story, be part of a new Sunderland, and make a lasting impact. He achieved all of this, and although we are naturally disappointed to lose a player of Jobe’s quality, everyone at SAFC wishes him well in this next stage of his journey.”

JOBE'S PARTING MESSAGE

“It’s time for me to say farewell to all the loyal people of Sunderland, who have powered me through two incredible years in red and white. Your support, on so many occasions, has completely blown me away, especially in the times of adversity, which we pulled through together. You welcomed me with open arms as a kid leaving home for the first time, and I am proud that our relationship has grown to be so strong. I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be. I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return, you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life. To the staff, players and most importantly, the supporters, thank you so much and good luck for the future.”

Only time will tell how far he can go, but at the minute he looks destined for the top, and this move makes sense for all parties. Go on and smash it Jobe.