Jobe Bellingham reacts as Sunderland exits confirmed – ‘Thank you’
Jobe Bellingham reacted to Sunderland’s recent exit announcement after the club’s retained list was submitted ahead of next season.
The Black Cats won promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017, having spent four of the last six seasons in League One following an incredible fall from grace at the Stadium of Light.
Regis Le Bris has led the team back to where they belong, with Dan Ballard, Trai Hume, Dan Neil, Wilson Isidor, and Bellingham all playing vital roles in the 2024/25 Championship season.
The latter of those names is now expected to leave this summer, with Borussia Dortmund leading the race, but Football Insider understands that Sunderland could now keep Chris Rigg and Neil.
Despite this, a couple of other well-known names will be missing from the squad once the new Premier League season kicks off after the club released the list of departing players.
Chris Mepham and Salis Abdul Samed leave Sunderland
Taking to Instagram (4 June), the official club account wrote: “Promotion winners. Thank you for your contributions, lads,” accompanied by images of Chris Mepham and Salis Abdul Samed.
Mepham, on loan from Bournemouth, and Abdul Samed, on loan from Lens, will return to their parent clubs following a season at the Stadium of Light, though fans want a permanent move for the former.
Regis Le Bris to spend big ahead of 2025/26
Football Insider verdict
Football Insider understands that Sunderland could have £160million to play with during the summer transfer window, and whether the club attempt to spend big to add to Enzo Le Fee or not remains to be seen.
If the Black Cats want to fight against relegation, a lot of that money will need to go on new transfers for Le Bris, otherwise, it will be a rather quick drop back down to the Championship next season.
Derek Ferguson told Mackem News (28 May) that Jordan Henderson would prefer a return to the Stadium of Light over Rangers this summer, which would signify the club’s ambition for next term.
Team spirit will also be a huge factor in the Black Cats’ survival, keeping most of the current squad together, especially when it comes to the backline.
However, Wolves and Everton have joined the race to sign Hume, who had a significant impact from the right-back spot, boasting three goals and six assists in 44 Championship appearances.
It is an interesting summer window ahead for Sunderland, who have plenty of major choices to make ahead of next season, but whatever happens, the club must stick behind Le Bris.