‘Sunderland to expect Jobe departure’ as Dortmund circle – Exclusive
Sunderland may be resigned to losing Jobe Bellingham in the summer transfer window.
For the Black Cats, their one and only focus for now will be on the Championship play-off final on Saturday, with plenty at stake.
Not only are Sunderland playing for a spot back in the Premier League after a nine-year absence, but they are also playing to keep hold of their best players.
With that in mind, the Wearsiders will be aware of the need to seal a victory at Wembley after the latest transfer news from the Stadium of Light.
Jobe exit could be nailed on this summer
Sunderland will be fully aware of the danger that awaits them in the summer if they fail to win promotion back to the Premier League.
The likelihood is that they will lose several players, albeit for a good price, with the likes of Chris Rigg and Jobe linked with moves away.
Dortmund are said to be ready to sign Jobe immediately after the play-off final, and finance expert Dan Plumley thinks Sunderland will be expecting a few exits if they fail in their promotion bid.
| Team | Position | Goal Difference | Points |
| Sheffield United | 3 | 27 | 90 |
| Sunderland | 4 | 14 | 76 |
Speaking to Mackem News, he said: “We’ve said it with Sunderland, it’s not a kind of desperate stakes that they go up. I know they’ve not been in the league for a while and it’d be a huge boost to them on and off the pitch, but they’ve got a lot of young talent in that squad, and if they don’t go up, then you would expect some of those players to move on.
“I think there are a lot of Sunderland fans that wouldn’t begrudge some of those players an opportunity to go on and progress, but it’s likely to happen for sure and and if you do go up, you’ve got more chance of hanging on to them.
“I still think offers will come in even if they do get promoted, but the reality is you’ve got a bigger bargaining chip to keep all of your players if you can offer them Premier League football.
“I think either way there’s going to be offers coming in, but if they’re still in the Championship, I think it’d be really hard for them to hang on to some of those players.”
Wembley encounter could make-or-break Sunderland
After 48 games, the season has all come down to this. 90 minutes at Wembley in the biggest game that Sunderland have had since 2016.
The Black Cats simply need to find a way to win on Saturday if they are to keep progressing as a club.