Bellingham makes surprise decision on Premier League transfer - Romano

Tom Weber

• Updated: 8 Jul 2024 16:51 BST
• 3 min read

Jobe Bellingham has made the surprising decision to stay with Sunderland, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Jude Bellingham's younger brother and a very talented attacking midfielder, the 18-year-old is coming off a breakout campaign in the Championship. Bellingham impressed for the Black and Cats, having already previously been highly rated due to his name and showings as a youth at Birmingham City.

Heading into the new campaign, it looked unlikely that Sunderland would be able to keep hold of the wonderkid. Bellingham's significant potential and illustrious name have made him an attractive commodity and a host of Premier League clubs have been said to be battling for his signature.

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According to Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace have been massively pushing to secure the 18-year-old's signature, while Brentford have also been keeping an eye on the teenager. Additionally, the likes of Chelsea and other big-six clubs have been tentatively linked.

However, Bellingham has now made a decision on his future, and it is a surprising one, to say the least.

Bellingham to stay at Sunderland

According to Romano, the prodigy has decided to remain at Sunderland and snub the significant interest from Crystal Palace and elsewhere in the Premier League.

The Italian transfer expert has revealed that Bellingham plans to stay at the Stadium of Light for at least one more season and to continue his development in a familiar environment and in one where he is guaranteed regular minutes.

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Bellingham believes that Sunderland's project is 'ambitious,' though this decision still comes as a bit of a surprise considering just how forcefully Palace, a no less ambitious club, in particular, have been said to be pushing for a deal.

The 18-year-old currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €8.2 million and is thought to still be under contract until 2027, though his official contract length has yet to be disclosed.