Southampton have now been informed of transfer target Jobe Bellingham’s price tag ahead of the summer.
Russell Martin will be eager to strengthen his Southampton squad this summer, with several players already linked to the Saints.
After securing promotion back to the Premier League, the South Coast club will eye suitable reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window in preparation for the 2024/25 season.
Every player has a price and it will be up to Martin and Southampton to decide who is worth spending on, with one target’s price tag now revealed.
Jobe Bellingham price tag now named by Sunderland amid Southampton interest
Southampton are interested in signing Jobe Bellingham, who impressed during the 2023/24 Championship season at just 18 years old.
The creative midfielder has caught the eye of many ahead of the upcoming transfer window, with the Saints said to be one of those interested in the teenager.
This week, journalist Ed Aarons reported that Sunderland will ask for a fee of around £20m for the youngster, with other clubs swarming.
‘Understand that Sunderland are determined to try and keep Jobe Bellingham this summer.
‘Tottenham, Brentford, Crystal Palace and several clubs in Europe are interested in the 18-year-old, with Sunderland believed to want a fee in excess of £20m if they are to sell.’
It’s the second time this week that the Saints could be left shocked by a target’s valuation, with Celtic’s asking price for Matt O’Riley also being high.
That being said, in the instance of Bellingham, there is a sense of understanding as the 18-year-old has shown strong signs of having the ability to bloom into a top-level midfielder.
Southampton will face competition for Bellingham
As noted by Aarons, several Premier League clubs are admirers of Bellingham.
While the clubs in the capital could tempt the teenager, Saints could offer the midfielder a place to grow as so many young players have before him at St Mary’s.
Teammate Dan Neil described Bellingham as being an ‘absolute freak of nature’ due to his physical presence at such a young age, hinting that he could be at the level to cope with Premier League intensity.
Considering that Martin could be in the market for a new midfielder this summer, with Stuart Armstrong’s Southampton future in doubt, capturing Bellingham could be a remarkable feat for the South Coast club.
It will be incredibly difficult to acquire the teenager against the other clubs listed to have interest in his services though, at £20m, the 18-year-old is an affordable target for Saints to challenge for.