Credit: Getty Images / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media
Credit: Getty Images / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media
Match

Jobe Bellingham reacts as Sunderland exits confirmed - 'Thank you'

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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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.

Jobe Bellingham Sunderland
Jobe Bellingham is likely to leave Sunderland this summer. (Credit Imago)

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.

Regis Le Bris, Sunderland
Credit: Imago

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.

Sunderland AFC
Jobe Bellingham
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