Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham is interested in taking the opportunity to follow in his brother's footsteps by heading to the Bundesliga instead of remaining at the Stadium of Light in the aftermath of playing a key role in securing promotion to the Premier League, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Black Cats ended their eight-year absence from the top flight by sealing a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final last weekend, and head coach Regis Le Bris is determined to bolster his squad when the fast-approaching summer transfer window opens for business.
Although the French tactician is already aware that Tommy Watson has made his final appearance for Sunderland, thanks to a £10million switch to Brighton & Hove Albion being agreed weeks before his stoppage time winner at Wembley, he is in danger of also seeing Bellingham depart before next season gets underway.
Bellingham Entertaining Exit From Black Cats
Midfielder has been gaining interest ahead of transfer window
Jobe Bellingham celebrating after winning the play-off final with Sunderland
Bellingham is attracted to quitting Sunderland for a fresh challenge in the Bundesliga, according to GMS sources, which will give Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund fresh optimism of being able to raid the Stadium of Light as they prepare for a season which will include Champions League action.
The Black Cats made it clear that they would demand in excess of £20million for the teenage central midfielder, prior to earning promotion, but that has not deterred his suitors and there is a growing possibility that they will be forced to contend with a formal offer in the coming weeks.
GMS sources have been informed that Bellingham has been weighing up his future, having been a regular starter in Sunderland's push for a return to the Premier League, and he has not ruled out the possibility of joining Eintracht Frankfurt or Borussia Dortmund after they have made strong pitches to him since the play-off final.
Jobe Bellingham's statistics for Sunderland this season
Although the Black Cats are in a strong negotiating position and under no pressure to sell the England under-21 international, thanks to there still being three years remaining on his £12,500-per-week contract, it is increasingly likely that their resolve will be tested during the summer transfer window.
Sunderland could still convince Bellingham to stay at the Stadium of Light instead of embarking on a fresh challenge, GMS sources have learned, but Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund's desire to lure him away means that he has a key decision to make when he returns from his holiday in Ibiza.
Bellingham Unfazed by Following Jude's Path
Family members feel Bundesliga switch could be special moment
Jobe Bellingham in action for Sunderland
GMS sources have been told that Bellingham is unfazed about the idea of following a similar path to brother Jude, who is currently at Real Madrid after previously being on Borussia Dortmund's books, with family members believing it could be a special opportunity as he aims to take his career to the next level.
The 19-year-old has been described as a 'freak of nature' by Black Cats teammate Dan Neil and is keen to carefully assess his options ahead of potentially opting to leave the Stadium of Light instead of getting involved in a battle to ensure his current employers do not suffer an immediate relegation back to the Championship.
Although there have been suggestions that Bellingham does not want to put himself under pressure to emulate his brother's achievements if he switches to the Bundesliga, GMS sources understand he is entertaining departing from Sunderland due to there being a feeling that Jude developed quicker thanks to being out of the limelight in England.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris in front of the Stadium of Light and the Black Cats' badge Related
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GMS senior correspondent Ben Jacobs recently revealed that Crystal Palace are also interested in landing the former Birmingham City youngster, having previously attempted to get the deal over the line, highlighting that Le Bris may have a battle to persuade him to stay on board.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 29/05/2025
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