Borussia Dortmund had to pay extra to sign Jobe Bellingham because of his brother Jude, joked ex-Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann.
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Jobe left Sunderland for DortmundJude played for Bundesliga giantsHamann hails 'great move'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Ex-Liverpool star Hamann has claimed Dortmund may have overpaid in their efforts to sign Jobe due to the success of his brother and namesake Jude. The latter is now regarded as one of the very best players in the world following his move to Real Madrid, where he won a La Liga and Champions League double in his first season. Jobe has now also joined a European giant in Dortmund, where Jude also cut his teeth before relocating to Spain.
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Jobe completed a €33m transfer to Germany earlier this month after helping Sunderland achieve promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs. He made his Dortmund debut on Tuesday during the goalless Club World Cup draw with Fluminense and Hamann has claimed the move looks good for all parties.
WHAT HAMANN SAID
Hamann told : "I don't think his surname did him any harm. It probably only hurt Borussia Dortmund because it would've led to a bigger transfer fee.
"Jude was a bit younger when he joined and cost a bit less, we will just have to wait and see how it works out.
"What I will say is that the Championship is a tough league. To make your mark there as a teenager you have to be very tough, that will do him well in the Bundesliga.
"In terms of Dortmund, Jadon Sancho, Jamie Gittens, Jude, Erling Haaland and so many others have improved leaps and bounds at the club, it’s a great place for Jobe to develop.
"They handle young players so well and I think it’s a great move all round. There is a hefty price tag and expectations and he will be compared to his brother even though play in slightly different positions – but the fans are very excited."
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR THE BELLINGHAMS?
Like Jobe, Jude is also in the United States for FIFA's newly-revamped tournament. Real Madrid get their campaign underway on Wednesday night when they take on Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal, while Dortmund aren't in action again until Saturday when they face South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.
