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The future of Jobe Bellingham looks like it will be decided in the coming days, and unfortunately for Sunderland supporters, it may not be with them.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a spectacular 2024/25 campaign with the Black Cats, with the midfielder helping to secure promotion to the Premier League through the Championship play-offs on Saturday afternoon at Wembley.
He watched on from the centre-circle as Tommy Watson fired in from distance in the 95th minute to seal the Wearsiders’ top flight return after eight years away from the division, but now he looks likely to be moving on.
As first reported by Sky Sports, Eintracht Frankfurt are in a strong position to entice the teenager to the Bundesliga, and after holding talks with Bellingham, a move could be completed soon. However, praise has to be given to Regis Le Bris for his impact on the former Birmingham City youngster this season.
Jobe Bellingham praises Regis Le Bris for his guidance at Sunderland
This is just Bellingham’s second year at the Stadium of Light, but his development has been clear to see, with the midfielder’s impact often going unnoticed.
His confidence has just risen and risen as the months have gone by, and he looks as though he will be rewarded with a move to a Champions League club this summer.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle at Wembley, Bellingham spoke about what his manager has done to help improve his game since he arrived in June 2024.
He said: “There are loads of little things that add context to the season. The manager changes and obviously the inconsistency that brings. I also played a lot of different positions as well. They’re not excuses; I’ve got no reasons to make excuses.
“It was just a more natural thing as far as development is concerned. I was more comfortable at the club this season and I guess that’s shown on the pitch. That’s been the biggest thing for me.
Bellingham continued: “The manager gave me great confidence at the start of the season saying to me, ‘that’s exactly where I want you to play’. The number eight is my favourite position – my best position, I suppose. It helps me show my capabilities on the pitch and that benefits the team.”
Sunderland have to find the right replacement this summer
With it looking as though Jobe Bellingham’s Sunderland career is coming to an end, finding the perfect player to take his place in the heart of the midfield is vital to their chances of fighting against relegation.
Le Bris has a very young side, and he may just need an experienced head to take charge, and with Jordan Henderson watching on from the stands on Saturday, there will be calls to see him return to the Stadium of Light.
However, mobility in midfield has been a key strength of Sunderland this season, and despite their awful form in the run-in, they have proven how much talent that they do possess over the course of the play-offs.
But for Bellingham, he has gone out on a high and supporters will be keen to see how he gets on in Germany.