Manchester United have suffered a significant blow in their efforts to sign Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, with the player now set to join Borussia Dortmund.
United are believed to be eyeing midfield reinforcements after an extremely disappointing 2024/25 season that saw them finish in 15th place in the Premier League table, having suffered 18 top-flight defeats.
Ruben Amorim’s men were also beaten 1-0 by Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, confirming they will not be in Europe next term.
Despite this, United are still bracing for a busy window. Already, the club has confirmed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers. At the moment, United have their full attention on getting a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo over the line.
United had an opening bid worth a total £55m rejected, but they are believed to be preparing an improved offer.
Bellingham emerged as a key target for United to bolster Ruben Amorim’s options in the middle of the park. United scouted the player, who played a crucial part in Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League.
In the 2024/25 Championship season, Bellingham made 40 appearances, registering four goals and three assists in that period.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Black Cats were confident of warding off interest from United and keeping the 19-year-old. However, Dortmund entered the fray for his signature and now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Bundesliga giants have reached an agreement for the midfielder’s switch to Signal Iduna Park.
Romano wrote on X, “EXCL: Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund, here we go!”
“€33m fixed fee, €5m add-ons to Sunderland… and also 15% sell-on clause.”
“Record sale for Sunderland and huge fee after initial €20m bid rejected. Excellent addition for BVB.”
🚨🟡⚫️ EXCL: Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund, here we go! 💣
€33m fixed fee, €5m add-ons to Sunderland… and also 15% sell-on clause.
Record sale for #SAFC and huge fee after initial €20m bid rejected. Excellent addition for BVB.
Another Bellingham in Dortmund! 🫂🐝 pic.twitter.com/2W0pRcTHel
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2025
Excluding add-ons, Bellingham will become the second-most expensive signing in Dortmund’s history.
Bellingham follows in his brother Jude’s footsteps by sealing a transfer to Dortmund after a standout season in the Championship. The pair both rose through the ranks at Birmingham City, with Jude having made the same move to Dortmund back in 2020.
For United, attention will now shift to alternative midfield targets. Several names are reportedly on their radar, including Ederson (Atalanta), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) and Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough), just to mention some names.
Featured image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
