Jobe Bellingham reacts to return of forgotten Sunderland man
Jobe Bellingham has reacted to the news that one of his former Sunderland teammates has made a long-awaited return from injury.
The 19-year-old played a key role in the Black Cats’ promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, notching four goals and three assists in 40 second-tier appearances.
But after helping Sunderland win promotion back to the top flight since their relegation in 2017, Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund.
The Birmingham City academy graduate featured heavily for the Bundesliga giants in this summer’s Club World Cup, scoring one goal and producing one assist in four appearances.
Bellingham reacts as Niall Huggins makes Sunderland return
Regis Le Bris’ men defeated fellow North East side South Shields 4-0 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, 12 July, with goals arriving from Wilson Isidor, Romaine Mundle, Milan Aleksic, and Ahmed Abdullahi.
But perhaps most importantly for Sunderland, their win over the National League North outfit witnessed defender Niall Huggins make his first appearance since the 2023/24 season, following a serious knee injury.
The former Leeds man posted on Instagram on Sunday, 13 July: “Feels good to be back out there.”
Huggins’ message attracted a like from Bellingham, who will soon turn his focus to helping Dortmund knock bitter rivals Bayern Munich off their perch.
Le Bris could send Huggins on loan
Football Insider verdict
The Mackems will be delighted that Huggins was able to return to action in their heavy win over South Shields on Saturday, as their preparations for next season’s Premier League continued.
| Opponent | Date |
| West Ham (H) | 16/08 |
| Burnley (A) | 23/08 |
| Brentford (H) | 30/08 |
Meanwhile, amid their efforts to survive in the top flight, Sunderland have signed Simon Adingra from Brighton as well as the likes of ex-Club Brugge winger Chemsdine Talbi, former Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo, and midfield duo Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra.
But Le Bris’ squad still largely lacks Premier League experience, and Huggins made just one top-flight appearance for Leeds before joining the Stadium of Light outfit in 2021.
The former Wales Under-21 international already appeared unlikely to beat promotion-winning duo Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien, while summer recruit Reinildo can operate as a fullback or centre back, and consequently brings more competition.
Therefore, Le Bris could send Huggins out on loan, while a return to the Championship would suit him better following his long-term absence.
Elsewhere, Sunderland have been tipped to sign Ukraine international Vladyslav Vanat in a Mackem News exclusive.