Sunderland ‘have Jobe Bellingham incentive’ for play-offs win v Sheffield United
Sunderland will hope Jobe Bellingham can take them to the Premier League after they beat Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.
Wembley will host Regis Le Bris’ team against the Blades on 24 May, and the winner will be promoted to the English top flight.
The Black Cats beat Frank Lampard’s Coventry City on aggregate in a thrilling encounter as Dan Ballard scored in the final minute of extra time on Tuesday (13 May).
Winning against Chris Wilder’s team could potentially have a significant impact at the Stadium of Light, especially with someone like Bellingham.
Bellingham to snub Borussia Dortmund after Sunderland promotion
Borussia Dortmund sent a delegation to speak with Bellingham regarding a transfer next summer [Sky Sports].
The Bundesliga outfit’s managing director, along with head coach Niko Kovac, flew to the UK and held talks with the 19-year-old.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Championship | 40 | 4 | 3 |
While the Wearside outfit should be worried about interest from BVB, winning promotion to the Premier League may help their cause in retaining his services at the Stadium of Light.
There’s no doubt the Englishman will want to leave if a top team approaches him, but having the opportunity to play in the top-flight with the Black Cats may convince the young prospect to stay for a bit longer.
Premier League incentive to deter Bellingham transfer
Bellingham may opt to stay at the Stadium of Light if Premier League football is secured for next season, giving the Wearside outfit another incentive to beat Sheffield United.
The Black Cats weren’t convincing against Coventry in the first leg of the Championship play-offs semi-final, but got the job done in the end.
Le Bris’ team will undoubtedly need similar luck against Wilder’s team, but fans will be confident of getting one over the South Yorkshire outfit.
Sunderland have been out of the top flight since being relegated in 2017 and dropped down to League One a year later.
The Black Cats have made impressive progress this season, with the French manager’s appointment last summer a big part of their success.
It all comes down to one final game in Wembley now, with preparations for next season on hold until after the game against the Blades.
The Wearside outfit will arguably be able to attract better players and hopefully convince Bellingham to further his development at the Stadium of Light.