Borussia Dortmund 'agree club record fee' for Birmingham wonderkid | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund will reportedly pay a club record €35m fee for Birmingham wonderkid Jude Bellingham this summer.

Bellingham has enjoyed a stunning rise for his boyhood club, breaking Trevor Francis’ 49-year record as Birmingham’s youngest ever appearance-maker (16y 38d) earlier this season.

According to Sportbild, personal terms have already been agreed with the 16-year-old and only minor details require completion.

Should Dortmund complete a €35m deal, this would surpass their current transfer record – the €30.5m paid for Mats Hummels in 2015.

The Bundesliga club believe their track record with young players gave them an edge in negotiations, and believe the midfielder can follow a similar trajectory to Jadon Sancho.

Manchester United also expressed an interest in January and saw their late €40m bid rejected, however Bellingham expressed doubts over wanting to join the Old Trafford club.

Vinícius Júnior is still the most expensive 16-year-old after Real Madrid paid Flamengo €38m for his signature in 2017.

Dortmund-based news outlet Ruhr Nachrichten, however, believe that while personal terms have been agreed, the €35m fee being quoted is untrue.

Bellingham is yet to sign a professional contract (you cannot do so before turning 17) which means both clubs could simply agree a training compensation fee.

The Bundesliga club experienced similar with Jadon Sancho – paying Manchester City just €8m for his services – although Bellingham is expected to command higher figures.