Two special gifts ultimately swayed Jobe Bellingham to join Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland in a club-record transfer, a report says.
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Bellingham gifted unreleased Dortmund jerseyAlso handed a personal letter by coach KovacJobe to join squad for the Club World CupFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Dortmund left no stone unturned in their chase to get the younger Bellingham brother to Signal Iduna Park. As per in Germany, an unreleased Dortmund jersey and a personal letter from head coach Niko Kovac were the two key items used to persuade the English midfielder to sign the contract.
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The 19-year-old was also offered a contract by Eintracht Frankfurt but chose to sign for Dortmund instead. The decision followed multiple rounds of discussions with Bellingham, in which Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke was personally involved. In a final bid to sway the Englishman, Watzke flew to Birmingham with a special gesture: an unreleased Dortmund jersey featuring Bellingham's name and his beloved No. 7 printed on the back, along with a personal letter addressed to him from Dortmund boss Kovac. Dortmund ultimately signed Bellingham from Sunderland for €33 million (£27.8m/$38.6m), a transfer fee that made him the German club's second-most expensive signing.
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In the letter to persuade Bellingham, Kovac wrote: "Dear Jobe, After our last meeting, I'm more convinced than ever. I want you to wear this shirt… I have a good feeling that we can reach the next level together. We want you here."
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR DORTMUND?
Bellingham has already arrived at Signal Iduna Park and completed his first training session. With their target secured, Watzke and Dortmund will now shift their focus to negotiating Jamie Gittens' transfer to Chelsea, as the London club aims to sign him before the upcoming Club World Cup. Dortmund will kick off their Club World Cup campaign against Brazilian club Fluminense on 17 June.