SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 11: The Sunderland club badge outside the Stadium of Light ahead of kick off during the Sky Bet League One Play-Off First Leg match between Sunderland and Portsmouth at Stadium of Light on May 11, 2019 in Sunderland, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sunderland AFC/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Sunderland face nightmare scenario this summer as Jobe Bellingham stance becomes clear amid Borussia Dortmund links
Sunderland’s fate in the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United will have a major impact on their summer transfer business, and EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal what that means for Jobe Bellingham’s future.
Sunderland are gearing up to face Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final this weekend, with the riches of Premier League promotion on offer for both clubs
The Black Cats risk losing several stars this summer, and the club’s transfer team will have an even harder task on their hands if Sunderland fail to beat the Blades this week.
One Sunderland star who has been instrumental for their promotion push under Regis Le Bris this term has been combative central midfielder Jobe Bellingham, with the former Birmingham City youngster’s future on Wearside in major doubt.
With the transfer window looming, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal what the future holds for Bellingham this summer.
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Borussia Dortmund in pole position to sign Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham
EFL Analysis understands, via information from our transfer expert Graeme Bailey, that German giants Borussia Dortmund believe they are in pole position to land Bellingham’s signature in the summer transfer window.
It is understood that even if Le Bris’ side secure promotion back to the Premier League this weekend at the behest of Sheffield United, 19-year-old midfielder Bellingham will depart Wearside.
While there is definitely interest from Premier League clubs, we’re told Dortmund are confident they can get the deal done.
Earlier this season, we exclusively revealed former Sunderland coach Mike Dodds’ integral role in Bellingham’s future, with his brother Daniel Dodds currently operating as Dortmund’s UK scout.
Adding further weight to the Bellingham update, officials from Dortmund jetted into England ahead of the Championship play-off semi-finals for talks with Bellingham’s camp about a potential summer move, as the German outfit continue their homework on the Sunderland star.
Sky Sports Germany reporter Patrick Berger has also added that Dortmund are pushing to sign Bellingham “immediately”, and are preparing an offer to sign him in the region of £25-£30 million.
Despite the Black Cats only one game away from a return to the top flight, it seems inevitable that Bellingham will depart Sunderland this summer, and his statistics across the 2024/25 second tier campaign prove why a host of Europe’s elite clubs are desperate for his signature.
- READ MORE: ‘Jobe Bellingham replacement’ set for crunch talks with boss over future
Jobe Bellingham’s statistics show what Sunderland will be losing
Bellingham has been Sunderland’s standout performer this season, notching seven goal contributions in 42 appearances this term, in his second full campaign on Wearside since his 2023 arrival.
Midfielder Bellingham won the Championship Young Player of the Season award and was included in the second tier’s Team of the Season for the 24/25 campaign.
Under the model set by Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, Sunderland are reticent to force regular stars to stay if they desire to move on, as seen with Jack Clarke and Ross Stewart both moving on for eight-figure fees.
Bellingham’s departure would bank an estimated £25 million and would give the club deeper pockets in the summer window to reinvest across the squad, but those of a red and white persuasion will be gutted to see the endearing midfielder depart.
