Sunderland AFC should have new Jobe Bellingham exit view amid Borussia Dortmund confidence | OneFootball

Sunderland have failed to win a game since the midfielder's suspension.

Jobe Bellingham is likely to be a regular in the headlines in the coming month, with his future at Sunderland up in the air.

Bellingham has been integral to the Black Cats' emphatic start to the season, and it is unsurprising there are reports linking him with a January move.

Given how the Wearsiders have been performing in his absence, it might encourage the club to hold on to his services if they are to achieve promotion from the Championship.

Bellingham tipped to follow in his brother's footsteps

Sunderland's star has been strongly linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund, with growing concern the 19-year-old could leave in January, as per Football Insider.

Bellingham's older brother Jude moved to the German giants from Birmingham City and the transfer proved to be a key stepping stone in his path to greatness.

The allure of playing Champions League football and following in his brother's footsteps might be too good for the teenager to turn down. Furthermore, if the club come in with an offer too good to refuse, then Sunderland may have to let him go.

Although such links are flattering for the club and the player, a January move could derail all the good work done by Regis Le Bris' side so far this season.

Sunderland have struggled in Bellingham's absence

Since Bellingham's red card against Queens Park Rangers, Sunderland have not looked the commanding side they were with him in it.

The teenager saw a straight red card for a challenge at Loftus Road, meaning he missed the Black Cats' clashes with Preston North End and Coventry City. He will serve the final match of his three-match ban when the Wearsiders meet Millwall on Saturday.

Both games in the midfielder's absence ended in a draw and while the results may not be catastrophic, they proved that Sunderland are a lesser side without him.

Given the 19-year-old's stature, it is no surprise Le Bris' side have struggled. There is no natural replacement for Sunderland's talisman.

Bellingham's game is all about power, strength and composure and, while there are players who possess some of those traits, there are none in his position who have all three.

If the Black Cats fail to tame the Lions on Saturday, then the midfielder's worth to this club will be further emphasised.

Bellingham integral to Sunderland's promotion push

With the Championship promotion race so tight, the Black Cats will need all their top players if they are to sustain their form for the remainder of the season.

Although there have been several leading performers for the club this campaign, many would argue that Bellingham has been the pinnacle.

The 19-year-old's performances have been a significant improvement on last year, and it is clear his stock is developing at a rapid pace.

Having seen the club's outings without him, the Sunderland hierarchy may believe that their best bet for promotion is to at least hold on to his services until the end of the season.

If the Wearsiders failed to achieve promotion, then it would feel like a Jack Clarke situation, and it would be difficult to begrudge the star his move.

However, if they were to reach the Premier League, then they just might have a chance of holding on to him for a bit longer.

It feels like a matter of time before Bellingham moves on to bigger things. Sunderland has been an integral part of his development and in time he will want to be playing European football.

While nothing at this point is concrete, it does feel like the Dortmund links have legs, but a January move could be damaging for the club.

Although Sunderland will be tempted to make a significant profit on the teenager, they have sizeable aspirations that Bellingham must be a part of.