Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Mon 12 May 2025 15:51, UK

Sunderland are resigned to losing star man Jobe Bellingham if they do not gain promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, sources have told Football Insider.

It has been widely reported that Borussia Dortmund are planning a summer move for the midfielder, 19, with a fee of £25million mentioned.

Bellingham also has interest in the Premier League following his impressive development with Sunderland.

Regis Le Bris’ side lead Coventry 1-0 ahead of their play-off semi-final second leg on Tuesday (13 May) – but will need to win the final and gain promotion to stand a chance of keeping the England Under-21 international.

Bellingham set to lead Sunderland exodus if they are not promoted

It is believed Bellingham, who was named Championship Young Player of the Season, will not be the only Black Cats star to depart if they remain in the second tier.

They will find it hard to turn down the mooted £25million fee with eyes on reinvestment in this summer’s transfer window.

Bellingham is under contract with Sunderland until June 2028 after penning an extension last year (2024).

He has made 41 appearances across all competitions this term, notching four goals and three assists.

The midfielder’s brother, Jude, joined Dortmund from Birmingham for £25million in 2020 and is now a Champions League winner with Real Madrid.

Neil wanted by West Ham and Everton

Football Insider revealed last month (6 April) that West Ham are big admirers of Sunderland’s Dan Neil and will go toe-to-toe with David Moyes’ Everton for his signature.

The 23-year-old has worn the captain’s armband for Le Bris’ Black Cats side this season.

He has emerged from the club’s academy but is only under contract at the Stadium of Light until June 2026.

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