Sunderland starlet Jobe Bellingham has reportedly been the subject of interest from multiple clubs throughout England and Europe.
The brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham made over 25 first-team appearances for boyhood club Birmingham City after graduating from their academy before joining Sunderland at the start of the last Championship season.
Jobe Bellingham featured heavily for the Black Cats in the 2023/24 season and played 47 fixtures in all competitions, scoring seven goals and making one assist.
Nominally a midfielder, he has shown excellent versatility to play in multiple midfield roles, and even as a striker.
The 18-year-old has attracted a lot of interest as a result of his performances.
Sunderland yet to receive Jobe Bellingham bids amid Crystal Palace link
Popular transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano recently added another layer to the Bellingham transfer saga when he confirmed on X that Crystal Palace are now ‘in talks’ to sign the 18-year-old.
This came after journalist Jay Harris confirmed that the Bees are also interested, owing to the player’s ability to play in midfield or further up the pitch.
Champions League finalists, and former club of his brother Jude, Borussia Dortmund have been linked with a move, as have newly-promoted Premier League side Southampton, and Italian Serie A giants Lazio.
Despite all of this interest, Sunderland Echo confirmed that no formal bids have been made for the midfielder as of yet.
The stance Sunderland should take on Jobe Bellingham this summer
Bellingham has been a top performer for Sunderland since joining in a £3million move from the Blues, and losing him this summer would be a big blow for the northeast side ahead of next season.
At just 18 years of age, Bellingham is still a raw talent with lots to learn, both the club and the player stand to gain a lot from him staying at the Stadium of Light for at least another season.
Despite operating in an attacking role, the England youth international contributed to only eight goals in the league last season and, according to statistics from Sofascore, underperformed his expected goals and expected assists metrics. Another season could help Bellingham find his form in front of goal, just like his brother in Madrid.
Sunderland could see their young star’s transfer value soar if they can help him develop for another season, just like they did with exciting former Tottenham Hotspur winger Jack Clarke.
The Black Cats should reject any bids for Bellingham this summer and look to sell the player for a much bigger price tag later on down the line.