Jobe Bellingham labelled a “big problem” after €30m Dortmund move

Jobe Bellingham’s summer transfer from Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund was seen as another bold move by the German giants, who had famously developed his older brother Jude into a world-class midfielder before selling him to Real Madrid. But the €30m signing has so far struggled to live up to expectations, with German outlet Bild labelling him a “big problem” for BVB.

The 19-year-old was a star in Sunderland’s promotion-winning campaign last season, contributing five goals and four assists in 47 appearances, mostly in central or defensive midfield. That form attracted interest from multiple European clubs before Dortmund won the race for his signature.

Yet Bellingham has failed to replicate that impact in Germany. Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann even suggested last week that Dortmund overpaid for the teenager, a view increasingly echoed in local media.

Bellingham has featured in eight matches since arriving, including the Club World Cup, but only 186 minutes have come across five Bundesliga appearances this season. Far from the “difference-maker” Dortmund expected, he has looked tentative and “like an outsider” in games.

Head coach Niko Kovač has used him in several roles — defensive midfield, central midfield and further forward — but none have seen him settle or cement a place in the starting XI. Bild suggest his best long-term role may be as a No.6, though competition for places is fierce, with Marcel Sabitzer established in midfield and Felix Nmecha plus Pascal Groß also in contention.

Bellingham’s struggles were highlighted in Dortmund’s 3-3 draw against St Pauli when he was substituted at half-time. His father, Mark, was reported to have criticised both the club and sporting director Sebastian Kehl afterwards, before later apologising.

Dortmund fear his family could become “increasingly restless” if the youngster continues to spend more time on the bench than the pitch. With expectations already heightened due to his surname and the hefty transfer fee, Bellingham finds himself under early pressure to deliver.

FootballPlace analyst John William believes patience is needed but admits the transfer has not started smoothly:

“Dortmund saw the chance to sign another Bellingham and jumped at it, but €30m is a big fee for a 19-year-old who had only one full season at Championship level. The pressure of his name, combined with the competition in Dortmund’s midfield, has made it hard for him to settle.”

He added: “Tactically, he is still figuring out his best role. Kovač must find a way to manage his development carefully while also avoiding unnecessary noise from family members. If handled well, Bellingham has the raw talent to become important, but right now he is a passenger rather than a driver.”

With Dortmund competing in the Bundesliga, Champions League and domestic cups, opportunities will arise for rotation. If Bellingham can take his chances in these matches, he may yet carve out a bigger role before Christmas.

For Dortmund, the challenge is balancing patience with expectation. A fee of €30m demands impact sooner rather than later, but rushing his development risks compounding the early struggles. The next few months could be pivotal in determining whether Bellingham becomes a long-term success or an expensive misstep.

👉 Do you think Borussia Dortmund should persist with Jobe Bellingham in midfield — or loan him out to regain confidence and minutes?