Sunderland could struggle to keep hold of some key first-team players this summer amid interest from the Premier League and clubs in Europe, including Jobe Bellingham, according to reports.
The Black Cats had a relatively dismal campaign and failed to kick on from last season’s promising finish inside the play-offs. The Wearside outfit had three different managers throughout 2023/24 and ended in 16th place, merely seven points above the relegation zone and 16 behind the play-offs.
This will certainly be an important summer window for the club as the board are currently searching for a new man to take over in the dugout at the Stadium of Light but could be forced to sell a number of important players.
One name being linked with a move away from the Wearside outfit is Jack Clarke. The winger was the top goalscorer for Sunderland this season, bagging 15 times and recording four assists in 42 appearances. There has been rumoured interest from teams in the top-flight for the former Leeds United man.
However, another player who has been touted with an exit from the Black Cats over the coming months is Jobe Bellingham. According to a report from Football Insider, Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund are keen to land the teenager’s signature this summer.
Take a bow, Jobe! 😳🚀#SAFC pic.twitter.com/pz6lCPYWhg
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) February 11, 2024
Bellingham’s brother, Jude, moved from Birmingham City to the Westfalenstadion in 2020 and has gone on to become the top scorer at the Santiago Bernabeu. Furthermore, he is now on the cusp of lifting the Champions League should Real Madrid come out on top against his former side in a few weeks’ time. Perhaps Jobe is keen to follow the pathway of his older sibling.
Writer’s View
Bellingham became a key player for Sunderland this season despite the team’s difficulties on the pitch. The 18-year-old was also the second-highest goalscorer at the Stadium of Light this term behind Clarke, having found the net seven times in 47 games, which is an impressive return for such a young player.
Borussia Dortmund know a highly-rated English talent when they see one as the likes of Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho have moved to the club and had tremendous careers so far. Jobe Bellingham may now be keen to take the next step in his career by heading to Germany.
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