Jude Bellingham shares two-word response to Jobe Bellingham’s Sunderland message
Jobe Bellingham’s stock continues to rise as Sunderland they prepare for their Championship play-off campaign.
Sunderland are set to finish fourth in the regular-season table after they fell away from Sheffield United and promotion winners Leeds and Burnley at the top, but don’t yet know who they’ll face in the play-offs.
Regis Le Bris’ side could face any one of Bristol City, Coventry, Millwall, Blackburn or North East rivals Middlesbrough over two legs next month, with their opponents dependent on results across the final day.
Bellingham has been one of the Black Cats’ talismanic figures this season alongside the likes of fellow youngster Chris Rigg, who is set to be subject to a transfer tug-of-war between Premier League clubs.
Jobe Bellingham sends clear message after EFL accolades
Like Rigg, Bellingham’s form at the Stadium of Light this season has attacted plenty of speculation over a summer transfer, but the 19-year-old’s future will hinge on whether Sunderland can secure promotion.
That form was recognised at the EFL Awards on 27 April, in which Bellingham won the Championship’s Young Player of the Year prize, and was the only Sunderland player named in the team of the season.
| Player | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow/Red Cards |
| Jobe Bellingham | 39 | 38 | 4 | 3 | 9/1 |
After the awards, Bellingham posted on Instagram (28 April) with a message of thanks to his support network and fans, as well as a reminder that Sunderland still have plenty to play for this season.
He said: “Team of the Season & Young Player of the Season – extremely grateful for the support of everyone around me. Not done yet…”
A whole host of Premier League stars including James Maddison and Omari Hutchinson left comments below Bellingham’s post, while his elder brother Jude said: “Deserved brother.”
Sunderland task to define Jobe Bellingham transfer saga
Sunderland’s place in the Championship play-offs has been assured for some time, but the Black Cats won’t enter the semi-finals with any sort of momentum after four straight defeats on the bounce.
Should any of the Black Cats’ possible opponents beat them in the semi-finals or a decider, Bellingham will be one of the first players expected to leave, with Chelsea “keeping a close eye” on the midfielder.
Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that his former employers Manchester United wouldn’t want Bellingham if not for his brother Jude’s success, but if Sunderland don’t win promotion, expect the teenager to still be a Premier League players next season.