Carlton Palmer predicts Jobe Bellingham exit if Sunderland don’t get promoted
Carlton Palmer believes that Jobe Bellingham will depart Sunderland in the summer if the club fail to achieve promotion back to the Premier League.
With the January transfer window approaching, interest in Jobe will heighten with several clubs joining Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign him (The Sun).
The Black Cats’ form has somewhat died down in recent weeks with their 1-1 draw against Bristol City (10 December) their sixth stalemate in their last eight encounters.
Jobe has remained a crucial player at the Stadium of Light but Palmer has issued his verdict on the future of the 19-year-old in an interview with Football League World (12 December).
Palmer explained: “If they get promotion, there’s no problem, he’d be happy to stay and play in the Premier League. I think offers will come in, Sunderland’s resolve will be tested in the January transfer window. But, like I said, they would be crazy to sell him in the January transfer window.
But, I think if they’re not promoted in the summer, and I don’t see them getting automatic, even though they’ve started really well, I’d be very, very surprised if Jobe Bellingham is a Sunderland player next season.”
Sunderland need to get back on the promotion track
After what was an excellent start to the Championship campaign, the recent run of form has been pretty dismal with just one win in their last eight fixtures.
Their inability to win has seen them not only drop off of the summit of the league, but also fall five points behind current leaders Sheffield Utd who secured a 1-0 win over the Black Cats recently.
Injuries have played their part with Tommy Watson the latest to be ruled out but Sunderland still have more than enough to put this run of form behind them and get back on track.
In doing that, it is vital that the Mackems keep their best players in January. The financial gain cannot be used as any form of enticement if the club are to have a real shot at promotion.
That includes the likes of Jobe and Chris Rigg who although have seen a drop in performances recently, still hold a huge amount of importance in this team.
In other Sunderland news, Patrick Roberts has responded to fan criticism.
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