Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham has attracted yet another Premier League side willing to attain his services.
Sunderland have endured a terrific 2024/25 Championship campaign so far, with Regis Le Bris’ side currently sat 4th in the table, firmly in the play-off spots.
The Black Cats will be hoping that promotion can deter interest from some of their fine prospects, such as the likes of Chris Rigg, Tommy Watson and Jobe Bellingham, with the latter attracting interest from across Europe.
Sunderland have already looked towards long-term Bellingham replacements, which shows their confidence, or lack thereof in keeping the 19-year-old star, if promotion to the Premier League isn’t achieved this season.
Previously, Arsenal and Man United scouts have watched Bellingham, and they are set to be joined at the bidding table by a fellow Premier League side, one that is willing to ‘top’ their offers.
Chelsea join bidding war for Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham
It was always inevitable that the top clubs around England and Europe would be alerted by Bellingham’s brilliant performances for Sunderland, and there is no surprise to see Chelsea in-and-around that mix of clubs.
In a report by Alan Nixon, Chelsea are reportedly lining up a bid for Sunderland midfielder Bellingham, with the Black Cats man’s nationality playing a part, most likely for registration reasons.
The Blues are also reportedly willing to ‘top offers’ to sign the midfielder, who is also attracting interest from German clubs Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, the latter of which his brother Jude shone at before a move to Real Madrid.
Bellingham is currently tied down to a contract until the summer of 2028, therefore it is likely that a sizable sum of fee would be needed to tempt Kristjaan Speakman in sanctioning such a sale.
Black Cats promotion has just become much more crucial amid Jobe Bellingham interest
It was always likely that Bellingham was going to attract interest throughout the 2024/25 Championship season, especially considering the performances he has displayed under French boss Le Bris.
Unfortunately for Sunderland, this has proven to be a double-edged sword for them, with his impeccable showings meaning that he couldn’t stay another season in the Championship, as the Black Cats not acheiving promotion would warrant several offers that would be too good to turn down, both from the club and player’s perspective.
It is simple, Sunderland must achieve promotion to keep hold of Bellingham and a selection of their best assets, otherwise a rebuild could potentially be on the cards in the Championship next season without a player that has been so crucial consistently.