Jobe Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund’s marquee summer signing, is facing mounting pressure after a difficult start to his career in Germany, with former international Dietmar Hamann suggesting the club overpaid for the highly-rated English midfielder.
The 19-year-old, who joined from Sunderland for a reported €30.5 million, has struggled to make an immediate impact in his first Bundesliga appearances. His early performances have drawn criticism and sparked debate over his hefty price tag, a situation compounded by constant comparisons to his older brother and former Dortmund star, Jude Bellingham.
Hamann, a respected pundit and former Liverpool and Germany midfielder, believes the expectations placed on the teenager are excessive.
“I spoke to people in Great Britain, and they said Dortmund paid far too much for him,” Hamann told online portal CoinPoker. “People are comparing him to his brother. Expectations are high, very high, probably too high. Right now, he’s probably trying to force things a little too hard.”
Statistically, Bellingham’s offensive output in the league has been limited. In his first 116 minutes of Bundesliga action, he was not involved in a single shot on goal. However, his defensive metrics have been a bright spot, with a pass completion rate of over 90% and a tackle success rate of 62.5%—figures that place him among the best in Dortmund’s midfield. A recent goal for England’s U21 side has also offered a glimpse of his potential.
The on-field challenges have been exacerbated by off-field pressure. Following Dortmund’s opening day 3-3 draw with St. Pauli, Bellingham’s father, Mark, was involved in a widely reported post-match incident where he confronted sporting director Sebastian Kehl regarding his son’s substitution. While the matter has since been resolved with an apology, it has invariably added another layer of scrutiny.
Despite the difficult start, the Dortmund hierarchy, led by coach Niko Kovac, has publicly backed their young star, stressing the need for patience. The club values Bellingham’s qualities as a ball-winner and pressing player and is understood to be giving him time to adapt.
Amid stiff competition for places in a crowded midfield, reports in Germany suggest a tactical shift could be imminent, with Bellingham potentially moving from a playmaking role to a deeper position as a number eight or six to better utilise his defensive strengths.
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