Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham is reportedly on the radar of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, according to Sky Germany.
The German club are said to be in ‘intensive contact’ with Bellingham’s family over a potential move from the North East. Dortmund are said to be closely monitoring the teenager, with the club having a close relationship with the family having had older brother Jude at the club before his move to Real Madrid.
Officials at the club are said to be keen on the younger Bellingham following the same path amid a flurry of speculation over the player’s future, with several big clubs said to be looking at the 19-year-old. Any deal isn’t likely to come cheap though with Sunderland looking to hold onto their key man, who would cost around £20 million.
Bellingham is currently on duty with England under-21 side following a strong start to the season, and played as the side extended their unbeaten run to ten games with a draw against the Netherlands on Monday night. With brother Jude watching on, Bellingham will have ambitions of playing alongside him for the senior side, and a move may be the way to achieve this.
It’s been a highly successful season for Bellingham at Sunderland, who look resurgent at the top of the Championship under new boss Regis Le Bris. The former Birmingham City man is one of many youngsters thriving under the Frenchman with the Black Cats going for promotion back to the top-flight after several years away. Keeping Bellingham will be key to achieving that goal, and Sunderland fans will be hoping he stays if they do get to the promised land.
Writer’s View
This isn’t a surprise given Bellingham’s form and family history. If there’s any big club he was going to be linked with it’s Dortmund, and they’ll certainly have the upper hand over other sides. Whether a deal happens in January remains to be seen; it’s likely Sunderland will keep him for the season as they go for promotion. If they don’t go up, it’s almost certain he’ll be on the move.
