Sunderland hero reacts to Jobe Bellingham’s ‘perfect move’ amid Stadium of Light exit
Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham does not look likely to play for the Black Cats next season.
The transfer saga looks to be nearing its end with Bellingham verbally agreeing to join Borussia Dortmund.
Sunderland and Dortmund are set to negotiate a fee for the teenager, with a price tag of around £25million being rumoured.
Regis Le Bris will be happy to put the Bellingham drama in the rear-view mirror as he focuses on strengthening his Sunderland squad ahead of their Premier League return.
Dortmund is a good ‘pathway’ for Bellingham
Understandably, certain supporters may be frustrated that Bellingham looks set to leave before kicking a ball in the Premier League for Sunderland.
Darren Bent knows about playing for the Black Cats in the top flight.
The striker, who scored 32 goals in 58 Premier League games for Sunderland, had his say on Bellingham’s Stadium of Light exit.
Speaking to EFL Analysis (4 June), Bent said: “The reason why I said it doesn’t (make sense to leave) is that you’ve been promoted with Sunderland. You are going to be playing in one of the best leagues in the world, if not the best. You’re in the Premier League.
“But then, on the flip side, the reason why I say it’s probably the right thing is you look at the path his brother has taken. Your brother has done it right.”
The former England international continued: “Dortmund probably know the family, really, really well,
“They have probably been onto the parents for a long time. It feels like the perfect move.
“What I do like is that we are seeing young English players looking beyond the Premier League. (Jobe may be thinking) ‘If I go out in Europe and experience different cultures and do well, there is always time to come back (to England)’.
“For me, it’s the perfect club because the pathway has already been set by his brother.”
Following his brother’s footsteps could make or break Bellingham
With Jobe set to copy his brother Jude, who also moved from playing in the Championship to Dortmund, comparisons between the two will be even harder to shake off.
Whether this affects Jobe moving forward is unclear.
There may always be a sense of unfinished business regarding Bellingham’s time at Sunderland.
| Jobe Bellingham | Sunderland |
| Total Appearences | 85 |
Despite helping the club return to its former glory, the talented midfielder does not appear to be sticking around in Sunderland’s bid for Premier League survival.
Even if Bellingham stayed, avoiding relegation is still a monumental ask of Le Bris’ young squad.
The Red and White Army selling their biggest prized possession to Dortmund, whilst they are a top-flight club, could be a wise move.
Sunderland’s position in negotiations will be strengthened, with the club not desperate to sell like they would be if they immediately returned to the Championship.
Selling Bellingham for a bigger fee will help Sunderland when it comes to pursuing new transfer targets.