BORUSSIA DORTMUND have confirmed the £25m signing of teenager Jude Bellingham from Birmingham City in hilarious fashion.
The 17-year-old midfielder’s arrival was announced with his new team-mates enjoying a singalong to Hey Jude by The Beatles on the club’s official Twitter account.
Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the signing of Jude Bellingham from BirminghamCredit: Borussia Dortmund
Jude Bellingham (C) poses as he sings his contract next to Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke (L) and sporting director Michael ZorcCredit: Getty Images
Bellingham snubbed Manchester United to join the Bundesliga giants on a “long-term” contract.
And he hailed the history of youth development at his new club as the reason he joined.
He said: “I can’t thank Birmingham City enough for what the club did for me – not just this season, but since I came to the club when I was seven.
“Now I’m really excited to join one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
“BVB’s path, but especially how they help young players to improve, made the decision very easy for me personally and for my whole family.
“I can’t wait to play in one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world.”
Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc added: “Jude Bellingham confidently chose BVB and, of course, was primarily concerned with the sporting perspective that we showed him.
“He has enormous potential that we share and want to develop with him in the coming years.
“He already has a surprising amount of quality in his own possession as well as against the ball, and on top of that, the player also has a strong mentality.
“We immediately see Jude as a reinforcement for our professional squad, but of course we will also give him the time to get used to the higher level.”
England Under-17 international Bellingham has starred for Birmingham in the Championship despite their struggles.
He has scored four and provided three assists during 40 appearances for Brum.
The ace will join up with his new colleagues on July 30 and will wear shirt number 22.
He snubbed both Manchester United and Bayern Munich to pen his £60,000-a-week deal at Dortmund.
Sir Alex Ferguson even gave him a guided tour of United’s Carrington HQ in an attempt to secure his services.
And Bayern were offering to both outbid Dortmund and beat the wages on offer.
Dortmund increased their initial offer agreed with Blues but Bayern were confident of landing the talented teen.
Bellingham spoke to Bayern in those last-minute talks but felt heading to Dortmund, a club famed for giving youth — such as England winger Jadon Sancho — a chance, was a much more sensible move.
Jude Bellingham snubbed both Manchester United and Bayern Munich to join DortmundCredit: Getty Images
Bellingham will wear the No 22 shirt for Dortmund next seasonCredit: Getty Images
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
