Jobe Bellingham transfer collapse on cards as ‘fatal’ Sunderland news emerges
Jobe Bellingham’s move to Borussia Dortmund could be in danger of collapsing as negotiations with Sunderland hit a standstill.
While the midfielder has given his word to the Bundesliga club, the Black Cats are not prepared to let the 19-year-old go without significant compensation.
Hopes still remain that Bellingham will ultimately decide to stay in the North East to help the club navigate their first year back in the Premier League.
Dortmund frustrated by asking price
All Sunderland focus is currently locked on the transfer window, as they look to bolster their squad in preparation for England’s toughest division.
The North-East club got their plans underway by completing the permanent signing of Enzo le Fee, but Bellingham’s uncertain future is providing an unneeded distraction.
Bellingham, the brother of Real Madrid star Jude, was thought to be well on his way towards a move to Dortmund.
However, according to BILD (5 June), discussions have hit a potentially fatal sticking point.
The problem comes down to a £34million release clause in the midfielder’s contract, a price Sunderland are sticking to, despite Dortmund’s efforts to soften the stance.
BVB are only willing to pay around £21m and could even pull out of negotiations, should the English club be unwilling to compromise.
According to the report, Bellingham and his father, Mark, had hoped the switch would be completed at the start of June before the Club World Cup, but that possibility appears to be dwindling.
However, the outlet claims that there is an agreement that if the 19-year-old were to lodge a transfer request, Sunderland would sanction a sale for around £25m – a more palatable fee for Dortmund.
Sunderland face a knife-edge decision
In negotiations for Bellingham, Sunderland find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place.
The midfielder is a stand-out amongst red and white, and selling him would undoubtedly hurt a team already facing a mammoth task to survive the brutal quality of the Premier League.
But Bellingham’s head has clearly been turned and denying him his move could result in an unhappy, unfocused player.
There is no getting away from the financial aid £30m would provide either, but Sunderland must ensure that they are not seen to collapse from a strong position in negotiations – such weakness could be exploited by others.
Ultimately, the club will hope for, and need, an established outcome to arrive quickly, with further pressing matters on the horizon.