Don Goodman: Sunderland won’t sell ‘fantastic’ Jobe Bellingham in January
Don Goodman doesn’t think that Sunderland will sanction an exit for Jobe Bellingham in the January transfer window.
Jobe has been a standout performer in the Championship this season, earning interest from his brother’s former employers Borussia Dortmund (The Sun).
A January exit has been mooted for the talented midfielder but Goodman told Mackem News a summer exit is more of a possibility.
Goodman said: “I don’t see him being allowed to leave in January. So then I guess two factors occur. One, can he keep this fantastic form? And he has been brilliant all season. Can he keep it going until the end of the season? And if he can, what league will Sunderland be in?
“Will they be in the Championship or will they be in the Premier League? Because if they’re in the Premier League, would he really want to leave and miss out on that? So those are the two factors, really. I can understand certainly why Borussia Dortmund would be interested.
“I’d be shocked if there aren’t some Premier League clubs very, very interested as well. And so at the end of the season, if he keeps the form up, then he’s going to have options and the ball may very well end up being in his court. And he’s going to have good options as well.”
Jobe Bellingham crucial to Sunderland promotion hopes
While the Black Cats are enduring a rough patch of form, having failed to win any of their last five encounters, a shot at promotion is still very much up for grabs and Jobe will be crucial to that.
Jobe returned to the lineup for the Mackem’s encounter with West Brom which ended in a stalemate despite the home side dominating the game.
The 19-year-old adopts a pivotal role in midfield under Regis Le Bris which no other player has the necessary attributes to replicate.
A January exit for any key players simply can not even be considered unless a ludicrous amount of money is out on the table and in all honesty, bids should reach in excess of £40 million in January before any consideration is even made.
Teams at the top will be strengthening in January, not weakening and it is vital that Sunderland follow suit to maintain their position near the summit of the Championship.
In other Sunderland news, Anthony Patterson has made a new promotional admission.
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