Jobe Bellingham has finalized his transfer to Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland just in time to participate in the Club World Cup.

The Bundesliga team has officially announced that the 19-year-old midfielder has inked a five-year deal following an agreement with Sunderland, with the deal potentially reaching nearly £32m.

A statement from the club read: "Welcome to Dortmund, Jobe! The 19-year-old England Under-21 international has signed a five-year contract and will don the No 77 jersey at the Fifa Club World Cup."

Bellingham, who joined Sunderland from Birmingham for £1.5m in the summer of 2023, is following the path of his older brother Jude, an England international, who spent three seasons at Dortmund before moving to Real Madrid.

Expressing his excitement, Bellingham stated on the club's official website: "I'm thrilled to be part of Borussia Dortmund now and to strive for titles with this fantastic club. I aim to contribute to the success alongside the amazing fans here and will dedicate myself to self-improvement and team efforts every day. I am delighted to wear the black and yellow jersey at the Fifa Club World Cup."

Sunderland confirmed that the transfer fee sets a new club record and they have secured a sell-on clause of 15%. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman mentioned on the club's website: "Jobe wanted to carve his own path, be a part of a new Sunderland, and leave a lasting impact. He has achieved all of this, and although we are naturally sad to see a player of Jobe's caliber leave, everyone at SAFC wishes him the best in his next chapter."

Bellingham symbolizes Sunderland's strategy of investing in young talents with potential, and he departs after playing a crucial role in last season's promotion to the Premier League through the Championship playoff final. In a heartfelt message posted on his Instagram account, he bid farewell to the club and its fans.

Bellingham wrote: "Dear Sunderland, It's time for me to bid farewell to all the loyal people of Sunderland, who have supported me through two amazing years in Red and White. Your unwavering support, especially during tough times, has truly touched me. You embraced me as a young player leaving home for the first time, and I am proud of how our relationship has flourished over the years.

"Your support for the team and me since I arrived at your beloved club has been incredible, and I am forever grateful to you as individuals and fans. I will always carry Wearside in everything I aim to accomplish in my career, no matter where that takes me. I hope I have made you proud, and in return, you have shaped me into the player I am today. So thank you. I will cherish and remember you fondly for the rest of my days, from the depths of my heart.

"I endeavored to embody the passion you hold for the city on the football field, and I am overjoyed that our journey culminated in a triumph at Wembley to restore the club to its rightful place. To the staff, players, and most importantly, the fans, thank you immensely and best of luck for the future. Jobe, Adopted Mackem."