Borussia Dortmund’s new signing, Jobe Bellingham, has opened up about his initial hesitation to join the Bundesliga club, despite eventually making the switch from Sunderland in a £27 million deal earlier this month.
The young midfielder recently made headlines after netting his first goal for Dortmund in a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, marking the team’s first win at the Club World Cup.
It was also Bellingham’s first start for the German giants, though his side struggled for control for much of the match.
In a candid interview with DAZN, Jobe admitted that following in the footsteps of his elder brother, Jude Bellingham, gave him pause when the opportunity to move to Dortmund first came up.
“I don’t really care how it looks, but it might look a bit contradictory to some people. I was perhaps being biased against Dortmund for a very long time, because I have anxieties and fears and you want to be your own man, but I don’t think I should let those stop me from making the right decision,” Bellingham told DAZN.
Jobe emphasized that his focus was on forging his own journey, even if it meant choosing the same club where Jude once starred.
“So for me, it was about choosing the right path, not necessarily a different one. I don’t think my path has been the same as Jude’s at all. But, it meant if the right path meant signing for Borussia Dortmund, as so many top young players, not just me and my brother, then why would I not do it?
“It would be a big mistake to sign for another club just because Jude’s played here and it didn’t go well. So either way, there are risks on both sides. There are pros and cons to every club.”
Reflecting on his decision-making process, the 18-year-old acknowledged the pressure of expectation but said he ultimately had to trust his instincts.
“I did have a lot of time to think about it. And I know the fans and I as well were impatient. But my head and my heart and that’s all that matters. My perception is the only one that matters at the end of the day. So that’s what I chose.”
Jobe’s mature perspective and early impact on the pitch suggest that he may be on course to carve out a unique legacy of his own at Dortmund.
