Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham has flown to Germany to hold talks with Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt, according to journalist Keith Downie.
The 19-year-old has emerged as a first team regular at the Stadium of Light since making a £3 million switch from Birmingham City in 2023. His two seasons at the club have seen the teenager rack up 90 appearances, contributing 11 goals and four assists.
It’s this form which has seen him rack up interest from both the Premier League and abroad, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid all previously linked to the England under-21 international. However, the Bundesliga has looked increasingly likely to be his next destination in recent weeks, with Borussia Dortmund emerging as the favourites for his signature.
Frankfurt Hoping To Steal A March On Bellingham
Of course, Dortmund do have history when it comes to the Bellingham family. They famously paid Birmingham £25 million for Jobe’s brother Jude in 2020 before striking a deal that could reach £115 million with Real Madrid three years later.
News emerged prior to Sunderland’s play-off final victory over Sheffield United that the Bundesliga giants were hoping to reach a £25 million deal prior to their Club World Cup campaign next month, but they now face competition from a duo of league rivals.
According to Sky Sports, the younger Bellingham has jetted off to Germany to hold talks with Eintracht Frankfurt after having conversations with Dortmund in the UK last month. RB Leipzig are also keen on acquiring his services.
🚨 Jobe Bellingham is in Germany for talks with Eintracht Frankfurt.
🇩🇪 Frankfurt are one of three German clubs interested in signing the 19-year-old this summer: Dortmund & Leipzig the other two.
🗣️ Dortmund have already held talks with Jobe in the UK earlier this month.
❓… pic.twitter.com/RtOo6F6aV9— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) May 26, 2025
It is said that there is no deal in place with any club but he is hoping to make a decision on his future later this week. It has previously been claimed that it would take £25 million to tempt Sunderland into selling one of their prized assets.
Writer’s View
After the euphoria of ending their eight year stay outside the Premier League on Saturday, this news will come as a bitter blow for Sunderland. Although it was always likely they would have to field bids this summer, they will still feel that the offer of top flight English football is a lucrative one and one that could persuade him to stay put. Of course, no decision has been made as of yet and Bellingham will certainly takt that into consideration. One more season at the Stadium of Light is unlikely to hinder any interest from abroad and it could be in his best interests to remain in the North East…for now.
