The Saints will be in a stronger negotiation position to recruit players this summer following their promotion back to the top division at the first time of asking, with Russell Martin’s squad taking advantage of a weak Leeds United performance to win the play-off final on Sunday.
And it wouldn’t be a surprise to see plenty more movement at St Mary’s this summer, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis already arriving permanently in a reputed £20m deal.
Players might potentially go away from the south-coast side, with Che Adams and Paul Onuachu both being connected with departures from the club.
With this in mind, adding more talent to their final third might be one of their goals, and they have already been connected with transfers for certain offensive players.
Armando Broja is believed to be on their list of targets – while the Black Cats’ striker Jack Clarke is also expected to be in their sights following promotion.
Clarke has been a fantastic asset on the left-hand side since making a loan transfer during the 2022 winter window – and has elevated his game to a new level since signing permanently a couple of years ago.
Another Black Cats star is also reportedly believed to be on their radar.
The Wearside club has not received any proposals for Bellingham, according to the Sunderland Echo.
Crystal Palace is one of the Premier League teams interested in signing the 18-year-old before the summer transfer window.
The Saints and Brentford are among the teams mentioned, with European teams also reportedly keen.
Although there is “significant” interest in the player, the Black Cats are well-positioned to keep him, as he signed a long-term contract last year.
Sunderland should keep Jude Bellingham.
The Black Cats have only had Bellingham a year, so losing him in the coming months would be a pity.
Last season, the 18-year-old became a regular starter for Wearside and scored seven goals in all competitions.
| Jobe Bellingham’s 2023/24 campaign at Sunderland | |
|---|---|
| (All competitions) | |
| Appearances | 47 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 1 |
He would be missed if he left after a crucial season.
Clubs may spend a lot for him this summer, but with more game time next season, his value might rise.
The Black Cats may get more for Bellingham by keeping him than selling him now.
And his offensive quality will be essential if Clarke exits. If both depart, sufficient successors will need to be sought.
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