‘Sunderland exit decision imminent after Jobe Bellingham jets out for talks’
Jobe Bellingham could decide on his future very soon amid heavy links with a Sunderland exit this summer.
The 19-year-old has played a vital role in the Black Cats’ promotion-winning Championship campaign, notching four goals and three assists in 40 appearances, missing just six league matches.
He has long been linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light, with many hoping for him to replicate his older brother’s career, who is now a staple of Real Madrid’s starting lineup.
Football Insider understands that Tottenham have joined the race for Bellingham’s signature, and despite Regis Le Bris‘ side winning the play-off final, he is expected to depart this summer.
Now, the latest update would suggest that the teenage sensation is nearing an exit from the newly promoted club, jetting out of England to discuss his next step.
Jobe Bellingham jets out to Germany to discuss Sunderland exit
According to Sky Sports (26 May), Bellingham has jetted out to Germany for talks with Eintracht Frankfurt just days after winning promotion to the Premier League with Sunderland.
It is understood that the exciting midfielder wants to decide on his future this week amid interest from Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig, possibly following in the footsteps of his older brother to the Bundesliga.
Bundesliga expert Keith Hatchard told Mackem News (16 May) that the 19-year-old would be “open” to joining Dortmund, much like Jude Bellingham, but he has instead travelled to a rival.
Regis Le Bris to prepare for future without Jobe Bellingham
Football Insider verdict
Le Bris has done an incredible job since taking over from caretaker manager Mike Dodds, winning 45 per cent of his matches in charge to push the Black Cats into the play-off positions.
While Bellingham’s inevitable exit will be a tough hit to take for the supporters, Football Insider understands that Sunderland are set to land £160million with promotion to the Premier League.
That could be of vital importance if the Black Cats are to remain in the top tier of English football next season, rather than fall straight back down like multiple clubs have done in recent seasons.
With Chris Rigg, Dan Neil, and Anthony Patterson also all linked with summer exits, it could be quite the summer of change for the Black Cats ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
That is, of course, not an ideal situation for the manager after just securing promotion, but with the funds likely available to him, there should be some ideal replacements on the market in the coming weeks.
Sunderland have not been in the Premier League since being relegated in the 2016/17 season, but given their history in the top flight, rival fans will be keen to see them stay for more than one season.