Jobe Bellingham ‘to stay at Sunderland’ after ‘surprise’ emerges – Exclusive
Jobe Bellingham’s Sunderland future has been the subject of huge speculation in the last few months.
The 19-year-old played a key role in the Black Cats realising their ambitions and securing a return to the Premier League.
The England Under-21 international starred at Wembley (24 May) as goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Tommy Watson secured a 2-1 victory against Sheffield United to send the Mackems back to the promised land.
There has already been plenty of exit rumours after the final whistle blew in the capital.
Bellingham may stay at Sunderland despite German interest
The Stadium of Light outfit will be hoping to keep hold of Bellingham amid significant interest from Germany and rivals in the top-flight in England.
The likes of Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig, Manchester United and West Ham have all been linked with a move.
The Mackems ace even travelled to Germany to hold talks about a potential transfer, where he could follow in the steps of his brother, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, who spent three years at Dortmund.
However, iconic commentator Ian Darke believes that the Black Cats can keep hold of their prized asset despite the rising interest.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, he said: “He definitely could stay and they should try to do everything that they can to help him to stay.
“You look at their squad and they hardly have anyone there who has played in the Premier League, Chris Mepham is one, but there aren’t many others, I’m sure there might be some who have played the odd game here or there.
“I think Bellingham is a player who could probably make the step up, so, I would be very surprised, unless it was a blow you out of the water offer, if Bellingham was to leave Sunderland.
“It would have been a totally different story had they stayed down, I think, then he would have probably wanted to move on and try his luck in the top-flight, but now he can do it with Sunderland.”
Sunderland need to keep Bellingham
It makes no sense to let one of your best players leave after being promoted back to the big time, he was a vital figure in their achievement, making 40 Championship appearances.
They would have been powerless to resist any offers if they had remained in the second-tier but now they hold all the cards, they can offer top-flight football and as Darke claims, it would take a huge offer to even tempt them to sell.