The name Bellingham has become a staple of modern football for fans across Europe – with global superstar Jude setting La Liga alight for Real Madrid. However, the midfielder’s younger brother Jobe has found himself the subject of some Premier League and European interest recently.
This week it was revealed that Serie A giants Lazio have placed the Sunderland star on their priority list. The Black Cats have already found themselves batting away interest from the Italian club when they came calling for Jack Clarke’s signature this January. Ultimately, both bids weren’t strong enough to convince either the club or the English winger to progress talks into anything tangible.
Take a bow, Jobe! 😳🚀#SAFC pic.twitter.com/pz6lCPYWhg
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) February 11, 2024
This summer could see the Aquile return to talks with the North East side, this time for their current number ‘7’, Jobe Bellingham. The 18-year-old joined Sunderland for £1.5 million plus add-ons from Birmingham City last summer and has since been a shining light in an underwhelming Championship side.
Bellingham has netted seven goals and contributed with one assist this season. The natural midfielder has covered a number of positions in the team, including the central striker role for the past four games.
According to Italian news company Gazzetta dello Sport Lazio are extremely keen to open talks with the Championship gem, with it being reported that the Serie A side have “started to move on” him.
The Italian giants find themselves sitting in eighth but are still in a promising position to achieve Europa League or Europa Conference League football by the end of the season. With the Black Cats currently occupying 13th place in the second tier, there is an obvious gulf in quality and ambition between the two sides in question.
Sunderland Face Challenge To Keep £8.5 Million-Rated Star Amid PL Interest
The stats completely back up Bellingham’s deserved European interest and accompany his noticeable aura on the pitch. The name alone has likely sparked major interest, but luckily the Sunderland star has bundles of potential and ability too.
When compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers, the 18-year-old is in the 98th percentile for pass completion, with an impressive rate of 85.4% per 90 minutes.
Writer’s View
While the interest from such a club as Lazio should prove to Bellingham that his performances are being noticed, it could be naive of him to complete the switch at this point in his career. The midfielder’s talent is undoubted, but another year in the Championship with the Black Cats would allow him further experience in a league that he is growing increasingly familiar with.
Lazio undoubtedly won’t be the only team to hold concrete interest this summer. This could be a worrying period for Sunderland as there is no longer a chance of play-offs this season and players are gradually being linked to bigger clubs across Europe.
