Jobe Bellingham looks set to play a key role for Sunderland next season.
The 18-year-old started 47 games for Sunderland last term, but came under his fair share of criticism for some his performances.
Jobe was deployed as a striker for much of the campaign, with the Black Cats’ four recognised No.9s struggling to impress following their summer arrivals.
Despite coming under scrutiny, the teenager finished the season with seven goals – becoming their second top scorer behind Jack Clarke.
Jobe was expected to play in his natural position in the middle of the park following his move from Birmingham City, and it now looks like he kind finally be allowed to play where he wants.
Jobe set to return to his natural position for Sunderland
Regis Le Bris has now revealed that he intends to ‘start’ the season with Jobe in midfield, with the permanent arrival of Alexandre Mendy looming.
Speaking to Sunderland Echo, the head coach said: ““I think it’s a good idea to start, and then we’ll see.
“He has the great potential to press because he is physical and strong and energetic. That part of the game he can be very strong. Then from this position as a number eight on the left he can create a relationship with Jack, for example, or Dennis. Of course they need experience together to improve that triangle but I think that it could be a good position for him.”
The Black Cats now need to offload some midfielders
Jobe did a much better job up front than Sunderland’s strikers actually did, but with Mendy scheduled for a medical today, he is unlikely to stay ahead of the Caen attacker in the pecking order.
The youngster will face much more competition in the midfield, with Alan Browne, Jay Matete, Chris Rigg, Adil Aouchiche, Elliot Embleton, Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah all pushing for a starting place.
With Rigg signing a new contract and reports claiming Jobe will stay despite interest, it seems likely the pair will be two of the first names on the team-sheet.
Neil also performed brilliantly last season and is surely set to be the third midfielder to start against Cardiff City.
However, it seems unlikely that Browne would have moved to the Stadium of Light if he hadn’t been made promises.
The strength in depth leaves the futures of the likes of Matete, Embleton and Ekwah in doubt, with the latter already receiving interest from Udinese.
Given the Frenchman’s underwhelming 2023/24 season, it seems like the perfect opportunity to cash in on him.
Similarly, Embleton is approaching the final year of his contract and Sunderland should look to offload him and inject further transfer funds into the club – or even just send him out on loan.
Given that midfield was a major issue for the Black Cats last term, it is a breath of fresh air for Le Bris to now have plenty of options at his disposal.