Transfer twist emerges as Jobe Bellingham ‘looks to quit’ Dortmund after shock interest – reports
Jobe Bellingham’s Dortmund future could take a surprise twist with fresh reports linking him to a shock Ligue 1 move
Jobe Bellingham’s time at Borussia Dortmund could be shorter than anyone anticipated, with fresh reports suggesting the midfielder is already exploring a move away from the Bundesliga giants.
The latest claims come from journalist Alan Nixon, who reported on his Patreon on Sunday that “Bellingham is looking to move on from Borussia Dortmund”, despite only joining the club in June. According to Nixon, there is “shock” interest from Paris FC, who returned to Ligue 1 this season and are currently positioned mid-table after winning promotion from France’s second tier. Their interest has raised eyebrows across Europe, with the 19-year-old widely expected to build a long-term future at Dortmund after joining in a deal worth £27.8million plus add-ons last summer.
Nixon reports that Dortmund “do not want to sell” the England youth international at this stage, but would consider a loan move in January if it allowed Bellingham to build form and confidence, potentially placing him in the shop window ahead of the summer window. The suggestion of a temporary deal rather than a permanent exit reflects Dortmund’s belief in Bellingham’s talent, even if his first months in Germany have been uneven.
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The midfielder’s journey to Dortmund came after a rapid rise at Sunderland, where he became one of the most talked-about young players in the Championship. He joined the Black Cats from Birmingham City in June 2023 for an undisclosed fee, arriving with huge interest given the connection to his older brother Jude. Yet from his first day on Wearside, Bellingham made it clear he wanted to forge his own identity. He chose to wear his first name on his shirt rather than his surname, with then manager Tony Mowbray saying the youngster was determined to be recognised for his own qualities rather than his family name.
Bellingham made his Sunderland debut against Ipswich Town on the opening day of the 2023-24 season and quickly established himself as a regular. His breakthrough moment came in August when he scored twice against Rotherham United, the first goals of his senior career. Memorable strikes followed, including a goal against his former club Birmingham City at the Stadium of Light in November.
By the summer of 2024, he had become a central figure in the squad, signing a new long-term contract through to 2028. His performances across the 2024 25 season earned him the EFL Championship Young Player of the Season award, and he started the club’s play-off final win against Sheffield United at Wembley as Sunderland sealed a long-awaited return to the Premier League. His form caught the attention of several major European clubs, and Dortmund secured his signature with one of the largest fees ever received by a newly promoted Premier League club. Bellingham scored on his first start during the FIFA Club World Cup and switched to the number 7 shirt ahead of the Bundesliga season.
However, after a mixed start to life in Germany, speculation over his future has intensified. With Paris FC now emerging as a surprise suitor and Dortmund open to a loan if the right proposal arrives, Bellingham’s situation could become one of the more intriguing stories of the upcoming January window. For Sunderland supporters, the midfielder’s movements will be watched with interest. Bellingham’s time on Wearside left a lasting impression.