Jobe Bellingham wants to spend another year at Sunderland – that’s the claim of an Italian newspaper in Rome. The 18-year-old may be living in the shadow of his brother Jude Bellingham but the Black Cats ace is a top-quality young player in his own right.
Bellingham scored seven goals in the Championship last season following his move from Birmingham City. He played his part defensively too, demonstrating his qualities as an all-round talent albeit with much to learn.
Sunderland will want to keep hold of him for as long as possible and while it is natural that there is plenty of interest in the teenager of late, including Premier League giants Tottenham, it seems he may want to further his education at the Stadium of Light.
READ MORE: First words as Sunderland seal exciting signing from RB Leipzig
READ MORE: Sunderland look to take advantage of Bordeaux situation to seal next transfer
Because according to a fresh claim from Il Messaggero [via Sport Witness], Bellingham’s carefully planned career path is “blocking” a move to Lazio, even though the Serie A side are still interested in signing him this summer.
Instead, it is reported that the 18-year-old wants to spend one more year with the Black Cats, prior to sealing a move to the Premier League (assuming Sunderland are not promoted), with the next step in his plan to play in the English top flight, rather than a move abroad like his brother.
Bellingham is mature enough to know that Sunderland is a big club and an excellent place to grow as a player and it seems he has the presence of mind to make the right career decisions while looking at his long-term future.
Black Cats fans will be understandably desperate to have another year of the teenager in their squad, especially as he could go up another gear, before accepting that they will likely lose him to a bigger club in 2025 if they don’t attain promotion to the Premier League.
