The club’s sporting director said Bellingham “lived and breathed Sunderland every step of the way” during his two years on Wearside and believes the midfielder made a lasting impact at the Stadium of Light.
Bellingham has today completed his move to Borussia Dortmund, joining the Bundesliga giants for €33, plus €5m in add-ons.
Sunderland sources say the add-ons are “realistic”. The agreement also contains a 15 per cent sell-on fee.
The move brings to an end Bellingham’s two-year stay at Sunderland, which culminated in promotion to the Premier League last month.
Bellingham was a star for Regis Le Bris’ side last season, starting 39 and featuring in 40 of Sunderland’s regular Championship games before playing every minute in the successful play-off campaign.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Despite winning promotion with Sunderland, Bellingham still felt it was the right time to move on and was keen to follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps by joining Dortmund.
The move was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the first summer deadline at 7pm UK time. Bellingham is now eligible to play for Dortmund in the upcoming Club World Cup.
Speakman said: “I had no doubts that Jobe would develop with us at Sunderland.
“He has an unrelenting commitment to improvement that only the very best possess, and his progression is clear for all to see.
“Less obvious are the sacrifices and the challenges along the way, and I couldn’t be prouder of how he’s conducted himself and embraced the club, the community, and our supporters.
“He’s lived and breathed Sunderland every step of the way. For our club, it’s another representation of the strength of our strategy and what’s possible.
“Jobe wanted to create his own story, be part of a new Sunderland, and make a lasting impact. He achieved all of this, and although we are naturally disappointed to lose a player of Jobe’s quality, everyone at SAFC wishes him well in this next stage of his journey.”
Ahead of the move being completed, Bellingham posted an emotional farewell on his Instagram page.
He wrote: “It’s time for me to say farewell to all the loyal people of Sunderland, who have powered me through two incredible years in red and white.
“Your support, on so many occasions, has completely blown me away, especially in the times of adversity which we pulled through together.
“You welcomed me with open arms as a kid leaving home for the first time, and I am proud that our relationship has grown to be so strong ever since. Your support for the team and I since I arrived at your beloved football club was unwavering, and for that I am forever indebted to you as people and supporters.
“I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be.
“I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. So thank you.
“I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life, from the bottom of my heart.
“I tried to embody the passion you have for the city on the football pitch and I’m so incredibly delighted our journey came to an end with a victory at Wembley to restore the club in its rightful place.
“To the staff, players and most importantly the supporters thank you so much and good luck for the future.
“Jobe, adopted Mackem.”
