Talk of a Sunderland exit for Jobe Bellingham has gone quiet in recent weeks.
Having only joined Sunderland last summer, the midfielder had quickly attracted attention from across Europe.
Jobe was watched by the likes of Real Madrid and Lazio last season, but a move to the Premier League had looked more likely once the transfer window opened.
Reports claimed that both Brentford and Crystal Palace have had bids knocked back for the youngster, before it was claimed that Jobe was planning on staying on Wearside for at least another year.
Fans were delighted by the news, but that didn’t stop rumours continuing to circulate, with Lazio thought to still be considering a move.
Jobe is now ‘highly unlikely’ to leave Sunderland
Despite heavy interest in his signature, journalist Phil Smith has claimed that it would be a ‘major surprise’ if he was to leave the Stadium of Light now.
He wrote in the Sunderland Echo: “After interest earlier in the summer window, Bellingham made clear his desire to stay with Sunderland and so a deal is currently considered highly unlikely. You can’t rule it out given the financial power of top-flight teams but it would now be a major surprise if it happened.”
The 2024/25 season will belong to Jobe – if handled correctly
Sunderland have done brilliantly well to stand firm in regards to outgoings this summer, making it very clear that they aren’t desperate for the money on offer.
They are already holding out for £25 million for Jack Clarke and it wouldn’t be surprising if they were to refuse anything below that for Jobe too.
There has been no talk of any further offers for him though, and the quicker deadline day approaches, the less likely it is that Sunderland would even be able to replace him.
The teenager came under a lot of criticism last season, but if he is allowed to play in his natural position, then fans could begin to see exactly what he is capable of.
There is likely to be a lot less pressure on him this time round and hopefully he can just enjoy his football and make a real impact on the Black Cats’ promotion charge.
He really shouldn’t just be handed a starting spot on a silver platter though. He needs to work for it and earn his place, as it was very clear that he was going to play week in week out last season, even when he was underperforming.
He is still very young so needs time to rest, while the possibility of being benched should also improve his performances if they are dipping.