Sunderland could be about to lose Jobe Bellingham in the summer transfer window, with more and more teams joining the race for the 19-year-old.
Joining the likes of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, Arsenal and more, Chelsea are now taking a keen interest in Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham ahead of the summer.
Recent reports have revealed that Chelsea are keeping tabs on Bellingham amid his blistering 2024/25 season which has seen him feature 32 times in the Championship, scoring four goals and assisting three more.
The England U21s man could be one of many that leave the Stadium of Light this summer, especially if Regis Le Bris’ side don’t go on to achieve promotion from the Championship.
But of all the in demand players on Wearside, Bellingham seems like the one destined to seal a big time move in the summer transfer window, and it’ll net the Black Cats and owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus a huge sum of money.
Already, Kristjaan Speakman has identified a player he wants to replace Bellingham. But he has growing interest.
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Sunderland face Middlesbrough competition for Tommy Doyle
Sunderland have been linked with Tommy Doyle at Wolves ahead of the summer. It was revealed earlier in the year that Speakman views Doyle as the perfect heir to Bellingham at Sunderland, with the former Manchester City youngster having falling out of favour at Molineux this season.
Doyle has started just once all year now. Speaking to Molineux News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has now backed Doyle to leave the club this summer, adding that Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough are among the teams to have made checks on the 23-year-old so far.
Bailey said: “I think he could [leave]. There are a few teams I’ve heard, Middlesbrough wanted him as well. I think he’s going to have quite a few teams looking at him. Let’s see who comes up from the Premier League, is he one of those types of players?
“I think he will leave purely because I don’t particularly think he’s Pereira’s cup of tea, just one of those things when managers change. I think there’s a chance he stays in the Premier League but more likely top of the Championship.”
Jamie O’Hara’s stunning verdict on Jobe Bellingham at Sunderland
Although he’s had a bit of a dip in form of late, Bellingham has been a standout player for Sunderland this season nonetheless.
And speaking earlier in the campaign, talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara gave his verdict on Bellingham and suggested that he plays a lot like Jude Bellingham, which could indicate a big future for Jobe.
O’Hara said: “He looks good enough when I watch him. I’ve not watched loads of him this season but he’s definitely got the credentials to play Premier League football. It’s scary how similar he plays to his brother. I know they’re genetically brothers but they play so similar.”
A big move away from Sunderland may be what Bellingham deserves this summer. But it’ll depend on what offers come in with Louis-Dreyfus known to not sell cheap.
Doyle could be a good replacement too, and a relatively inexpensive one. But if Sunderland really want him then they might have to move even before Bellingham leaves.