Credit: Imago

Carla Devine

Mon 9 June 2025 14:00, UK

Sunderland may have achieved promotion to the Premier League, but that is not going to be enough to keep Jobe Bellingham at the Stadium of Light.

The midfielder had another sensational season for the Black Cats, playing a crucial part in their promotion via the play-offs.

After beating Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley Stadium, Regis Le Bris’ men are on their way to the top flight for the first time in eight years.

However, Bellingham is set for a flight to Germany, with Borussia Dortmund agreeing a deal with Sunderland to secure his services.

Jeff Stelling makes Sunderland supporter admission

Had the Black Cats remained in the Championship this season, they would have been resigned to the fate of losing Bellingham this summer.

The midfielder has been attracting interest for quite some time, with his brother’s quality drawing even more attention to the youngster in the North East.

However, once Sunderland secured their promotion to the top flight, there was a fairly big choice for Bellingham to make.

While a move to Borussia Dortmund would allow the 19-year-old to follow in his brother’s steps, staying put at the Stadium of Light would provide the opportunity to compete in the Premier League.

Despite some debate regarding his best move, Bellingham has seemingly not been convinced to stay put, and the Black Cats are set to receive a club record fee for his services.

Although Bellingham’s exit will be based on football reasons, Jeff Stelling did suggest that the supporters in red and white may have their part to play.

Speaking on talkSPORT (9 June), he said: “I just don’t see anything wrong with it whatsoever. I think it’s a proven career path; your nearest and dearest has done it. Why wouldn’t you follow in his footsteps?

“And he’ll be playing his football, by the way, in front of one of the biggest, most exciting crowds in the world because Dortmund fans are unbelievable.”

Stelling later went on to say: “One thing that Sunderland need to do [in the Premier League] is get off to a good start because they’ve got fantastic fans. I mean, the Stadium of Light will be rammed.

“But you know what it’s like. When things are going well, that’s great, that’s a massive bonus. When things start to go a bit poorly, if they start to go a bit poorly, those fans can turn against you.”

Sunderland must make the most of Bellingham fee

Although keeping Bellingham at the Stadium of Light would have been the ideal outcome for Sunderland, as one of their best players, earning such a big fee for him is a boost too.

However, that will mean nothing if the Black Cats don’t ensure they reinvest it properly this summer.

With Tommy Watson having already joined Brighton, while Chris Rigg is also linked with a move away, Sunderland may need to replace the spine of their squad this summer.

Therefore, with a strong fee coming in for Bellingham, Sunderland have to ensure that it is money that will be reinvested properly, giving supporters something to sing about next season.