Sunderland have one of the most exciting squads in the Championship right now, but one key player could be leaving the Stadium of Light in the New Year.
Regis Le Bris has inherited an incredible young team at Sunderland, and the Frenchman has not been shy when it comes to giving talented teenagers the freedom to flourish so far this season.
While the likes of Chris Rigg and Tommy Watson have emerged from the Sunderland academy to become first-team regulars now, the Black Cats also recruited very shrewdly in the recent past.
It is through this method that they snapped up Jobe Bellingham, and it seems the Sunderland star could bag the club a big profit in the very near future.
- READ MORE: Where Jobe Bellingham would rank in Sunderland’s record player sales if transfer rumours are true
Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund will battle for Jobe Bellingham
Sunderland fans have already seemingly accepted that Bellingham will move on eventually, but the latest from Graeme Bailey at TBR Football suggests that inevitable transfer is looming ever closer.
Bailey suggests both Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are stepping up their pursuit of Bellingham and could be ready to make a move in the January transfer window.
It is thought the two European giants have been keeping a very close eye on the young midfielder, and have been impressed by what they’ve seen this season.
| Statistics | Jobe Bellingham 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 17 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass success | 86% |
| Shot-creating actions per 90 | 2.71 |
| Take-on success | 50% |
Apparently, Madrid in particular are keen to get in there early and sign Bellingham for a smaller fee, rather than wait and pay a bigger sum further down the line.
However, Bailey insists Sunderland are prepared to reject any advances in January as the club looks to push on and achieve promotion from the Championship this season.
- READ MORE: Sunderland duo compared to Real Madrid star and £15m ace as another ‘plays like Lionel Messi’
Jobe may snub both clubs as he looks to shake Jude comparisons
There is every chance, of course, that this move does not come to fruition, especially in the New Year. Bellingham himself will have his feet firmly on the ground, and will know that sticking it out with Sunderland for now could be the best decision for his burgeoning career.
However, that doesn’t mean Sunderland can keep hold of the ‘brilliant’ young midfielder long-term, and the fact that the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton, Brentford, Tottenham Hotspur, and Fulham are also sniffing around will make things very interesting.
But, when it comes to the interest from both Dortmund and Madrid, there is a possibility Jobe could be tempted to decline such a transfer as he looks to continue to distance himself from comparisons with his brother, Jude.
He’s already ditched the Bellingham name from the back of his shirt in efforts to forge his own path, and the idea of Jobe joining one of Jude’s former clubs or teaming up with him in Spain just feels like the exact opposite of what the Sunderland ace would want to do.
Plus, Jobe Bellingham has lots of room to improve still, and he may find it difficult to get the game time he wants and needs at top European clubs, which could be detrimental for his development while he is still so raw.