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Football is a cruel game and even when you’re feeling on top of the world, there’s something that can bring you right back down to Earth, as Sunderland fans know.

Jobe Bellingham is in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt days after Tommy Watson’s stoppage time winner confirmed Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.

Frankfurt’s director has sent a clear message to Bellingham, who is also wanted by Borussia Dortmund, in a bid to convince the young star to follow in his brother’s footsteps and move to Germany.

Sunderland have proved they can be shrewd in the transfer market though and will already be looking at possible replacements for the midfielder.

So, with that, EFL Analysis look at three possible transfer targets that could be the perfect replacement for the 19-year-old.

• READ MORE: Birmingham City set for £4.5m windfall as Jobe Bellingham nears Sunderland exit

Andrija Maksimovic – Red Star Belgrade

Sunderland’s transfer policy has largely focused on signing very young talents and developing them into senior players. It’s worked for them already and it’s unlikely Regis Le Bris and co will change their ways.

Andrija Maksimovic is only 17 but destined for huge things. He’s been a first team regular for Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade, featuring in the Champions League, and played six times for Serbia’s senior national team, which has led to interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain.

Eliezer Mayenda chose Sunderland over PSG in a decision that proved the right one. Maksimovic is good enough to play regularly for the Black Cats and would be a valuable option.

Kodai Sano – Nec Nijmegen

Kodai Sano is a name unfamiliar to most, but he’s been tearing up the Eredivisie for Nec Nijmegen, who narrowly missed out on a place in the UEFA Conference League.

Sano was signed for roughly £375k in 2023, leaving his native Japan to move to the Netherlands and has seemingly slotted in with ease.

FBRef also has Sano down as a near like-for-like replacement to Bellingham, scoring similar numbers in most metrics.

He could be a cheaper option and become a Premier League signing that goes under the radar.

Tommy Doyle – Wolves

Tommy Doyle is almost certainly going to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers, but don’t let that cloud your judgement.

The 23-year-old isn’t fancied by Vitor Pereira as he doesn’t fit into his style of play, but the former Manchester City star is a very talented player and the right management could unlock his potential.

Doyle has been dubbed the ‘Bellingham replacement’ and given that he could be available for a cut-price fee in order to get him off the books at Molineux, it may not be the worst option at all.