Jobe Bellingham to snub England following Dortmund transfer | OneFootball

Jobe Bellingham is set to forego England duty in order to play at the Fifa Club World Cup after completing his transfer deadline day move to Borussia Dortmund.

The 19-year-old left Sunderland on Tuesday to join his brother Jude’s former club in a deal worth an initial £27.8 million (€33m) plus £4.2m in add-ons. There is also a 15 percent sell-on clause included.

The transfer makes Bellingham second-most expensive signing in Dortmund history, while it is highest fee the newly-promoted Premier League outfit have ever received.

Jobe Bellingham to snub England following Dortmund transfer

Bellingham could make his debut for BVB as soon as next week when they take on Fluminense in the Fifa Club World Cup on Tuesday, June 17.

The midfielder was due to feature for England at the U21 Euros, with the Young Lions facing Czechia this Thursday. However, he has confirmed he will be skipping it in order to play in Fifa’s new competition in the United States, which will see 32 clubs from around the world compete.

“First of all, I’m looking forward to the Club World Cup – it’s definitely going to be a great tournament,” Bellingham said in his first club interview.

“It’s the first time, so I’m particularly looking forward to it. It will be a historic event.”

Asked if it was important the deal was done quickly so he could play at the Club World Cup, Bellingham responded: “I know that the club had planned all along to bring me here for the tournament because it’s a big tournament and it’s the first time it’s happening.

“It’s a huge opportunity for me to integrate into the team and the club. That’s why you have to work hard and try to seize this opportunity. But to be honest, I would have played for my country at the U21 European Championships, which I’m always proud of.

“Either way, I would have played football at a high level this summer and I’m grateful for that.”

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After helping Sunderland win in the EFL Championship Play-Off final against Sheffield United, Bellingham said he gave careful consideration to the next move of his career before deciding to join Dortmund.

“To be honest, I had to think about it for a very long time,” he admitted. “Not because of anything to do with the club, but because of my history, my personal journey with Sunderland.

“I weighed it up for a long time and I know the fans were a bit worried, but I thought long and hard about it. That’s why I’m sure it’s the right decision.

“I spoke to a lot of people at the club, some of whom I already knew. Of course, I also spoke to the coach, who I really have faith in and who thankfully also has faith in me. But the conversation with (the club’s CEO) Mr (Hans-Joachim) Watzke was probably the deciding factor. He ultimately convinced me to sign with Borussia Dortmund. I’m sure that I made the right decision. I’m really looking forward to it now.”

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