Sunderland are determined to retain the services of Jobe Bellingham following their return to the Premier League, amid increasing interest from clubs in Germany. The club’s hierarchy view the 19-year-old midfielder as a key part of their long-term project, particularly after his breakthrough campaign in the Championship. Despite reports linking Bellingham with a potential move to the Bundesliga, Sunderland are hopeful of keeping him for at least another season.
The young midfielder has reportedly held discussions with Eintracht Frankfurt and is attracting attention from other German clubs, including Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig. His performances over the past season, during which he made 40 appearances and scored four goals, have made him one of the most highly rated young English midfielders. Following the club’s playoff final win, Bellingham travelled to Ibiza to join his brother, Jude, for a holiday, after completing his talks in Germany.
There is also interest from within the Premier League, with Crystal Palace monitoring the situation. However, Bellingham is believed to be more intrigued by the opportunity to follow his brother’s path and develop in the Bundesliga. While a fee in the region of €30m (£25m) has been suggested in Germany, Sunderland are not in a hurry to cash in on one of their prized assets. The club’s owner is especially keen to keep hold of him, viewing him as integral to their plans in the top flight.
Adding further intrigue to Sunderland’s summer plans is their interest in a dramatic homecoming for Jordan Henderson. The experienced midfielder, who began his career at Sunderland before being sold to Liverpool in 2011, could be available this summer as he prepares to leave Ajax. Henderson, now 34, was spotted at Wembley watching Sunderland’s playoff final triumph and remains fondly remembered by the fans. The prospect of bringing back a club legend to bolster their Premier League return is under serious consideration.
While Henderson’s wages and fitness levels will have to be assessed, his leadership qualities and vast experience at the highest level make him a potential asset for the newly promoted side. Sunderland’s ambition is to blend youthful promise with seasoned professionals as they prepare for the challenges of the Premier League.
The team is also dealing with the departure of another talented youngster, Tommy Watson, who scored the dramatic last-minute winner in the playoff final against Sheffield United. Brighton have secured his signature for next season, underlining the challenge Sunderland face in keeping hold of their emerging stars.
If Bellingham does depart, his former club Birmingham City are set to benefit from a substantial sell-on clause inserted into his previous transfer agreement. However, Sunderland’s leadership remains hopeful that they can persuade the midfielder to continue his development in England, with the lure of Premier League football and the opportunity to play a pivotal role at the Stadium of Light.
The coming weeks are likely to be pivotal as Sunderland prepare for their return to the top tier. Whether Bellingham stays or goes could shape their entire transfer strategy, with Henderson’s potential return offering both a symbolic and practical boost as the club seeks to re-establish itself at the highest level.
