Sunderland must break down crucial barrier as door opens for sensational Jobe Bellingham return
Sunderland have seen the door open for a potential return move for Jobe Bellingham in the January transfer window.
The youngster’s departure was perhaps the only negative from the Black Cats’ eye-catching summer, as they added 15 new faces to their squad upon their return to the Premier League.
Sunderland received around £27million for Bellingham when he left to join Borussia Dortmund back in June, which set a new record for the highest transfer fee that the Wearsiders have ever received.
Regis Le Bris’ men have been coping well in the top flight without the midfielder so far, but they would surely jump at the chance to bring him back this winter.
Jobe Bellingham doesn’t want Premier League move
Bellingham has struggled since he left Sunderland, and he has found regular gametime hard to come by at Dortmund so far.
The 20-year-old has played just 203 minutes of Bundesliga football across his side’s opening seven games, and has started in just two of those clashes.
Niko Kovac clearly doesn’t view the starlet as a first-choice option for his team, and as a result, a departure could be on the cards as early as January.
- Bellingham hasn’t notched a goal contribution since the Club World Cup
- He has since made 11 competitive appearances for Dortmund
- He is currently averaging just 29 minutes per game in the league
Several Premier League clubs are showing an interest in signing the England U21 international, according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon account.
However, the journalist understands that Bellingham and his camp would rather pursue another European move, as they aim to emulate the successful development of his older brother.
Although it is currently unclear whether Sunderland are one of the interested parties, they surely would not pass up the opportunity to re-sign him, despite the stance from his end currently serving as a major barrier to any potential deal.
Unless the stumbling block of Bellingham’s European desires can be overcome, then it is highly unlikely that he will return to his old stomping ground.
Sunderland should propose Jobe Bellingham loan deal
Sunderland wouldn’t have foreseen Bellingham’s struggles in recent months, but they must be ready to provide him with a way out if he chooses to take it.
The youngster’s intentions of progressing himself elsewhere on the continent are admirable, but a temporary return to the Stadium of Light could benefit him right now.
A loan spell back in an environment where he is both welcome and has thrived in the past could provide him with the confidence that he needs to make a bigger impact in Germany next term.
A productive stint under Le Bris could open the door to further opportunities at Dortmund, without the need for another permanent switch in such quick succession.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to Bellingham and his team, but Sunderland would be silly not to at least try and tempt him.
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