Clubs across Europe were already pursuing him when he signed his first professional contract in 2020, after turning 17. Both he and Birmingham knew the deal would never be fulfilled.
There is an argument, as one account put it, that none of the present ambition would have been possible without the fees received for the brothers. Plans are in place for a new 62,000-capacity stadium in time for the 2030-31 season.
Supporters have had little to cheer about in recent years. The brothers' England call-ups were described as a beautiful story for a club that had been fighting relegation when the pair were still in the side.
They wore their hearts on their sleeves and helped Birmingham in that fight, according to those who watched them. Between them, after leaving the academy, they played 70 league and cup games.
Jude remains the youngest player in the club's history. He made his debut in 2019 aged 16 years and 38 days.
Jobe became the second-youngest player to appear for Birmingham when he debuted in January 2022, aged 16 years and 107 days.
Everything he has done on the pitch has drawn an instant comparison with his older brother. He never had one moment to enjoy without someone asking what about Jude, a pressure those close to him say only strengthened him mentally.
Jobe captained England Under-21s to a 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland at his old ground last November.
Even now, the brothers remember where it started. One observer said it might be wishful thinking, but believed Jude has unfinished business at Birmingham and could wear number 22 again before he retires. Courtney said it would be an incredibly proud moment for Birmingham City if that happened.