Sunderland have been warned off potentially going through with a ‘crazy’ January transfer, as interest in their star players becomes rife.
The January transfer window is coming up and for Sunderland, there’s plenty on their to do list.
Right now, however, the Black Cats are dealing with a lot of unwanted interest in some of their key stars, following their impressive first half of the 2024/25 season.
Regis Le Bris’ side sit in 4th place of the Championship table following their 1-1 draw against Bristol City in midweek.
Ahead of January, it’s been reported that the likes of Manchester United are interested in Chris Rigg, who’s been one of Sunderland’s stars of the season, whilst Jobe Bellingham has been linked with Borussia Dortmund.
The 19-year-old could follow in brother Jude’s footsteps by joining Dortmund in January. But it’s since been revealed that Real Madrid are also monitoring Jobe Bellingham ahead of January.
There’s thought to be a number of teams interested in a possible January move for Bellingham who was subject of bids from Brentford and Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window just gone.
Carlton Palmer says Sunderland would be ‘crazy’ to sell Jobe Bellingham in January
Speaking to Football league World, pundit Carlton Palmer has discussed Bellingham’s situation, stating that he thinks Sunderland and Kristjaan Speakman would be crazy to cash in on the powerful midfielder in January.
Palmer said: “If they get promotion, there’s no problem, he’d be happy to stay and play in the Premier League.
“I think offers will come in, Sunderland’s resolve will be tested in the January transfer window. But, like I said, they would be crazy to sell him in the January transfer window.”
So far this season, Bellingham has scored twice and assisted twice in 17 Championship outings for the Black Cats.
Jobe Bellingham handed measly price tag at Sunderland amid Real Madrid interest
How much exactly Sunderland want for Bellingham remains to be seen, with the bulk of reports seeming to suggest that £20million could seal the deal.
But a recent report from Football Factory crunched the numbers and gave Bellingham a £17.5million price tag at Sunderland, which given his ability and potential would be an absolute bargain.
And at that price, it would be a very cheap move for the likes of Dortmund or Madrid. But with more and more teams showing an interest, that price tag could quickly shoot up, especially if Sunderland hold their nerve.
Like Palmer says, though, selling such an important player in the middle of a promotion-chasing season could be foolish. But if Sunderland’s price is met then expect the England U21s man to move on.