Sunderland sent "stupid" Jobe Bellingham message after potential Borussia Dortmund fee emerges | OneFootball

Sunderland have been told to keep Jobe Bellingham beyond the January window amid interest from Borussia Dortmund.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sunderland have been warned against selling Jobe Bellingham in the January transfer window, as Borussia Dortmund continue to monitor the midfielder.

Despite their run of drawing games continuing on Tuesday night as the Black Cats were held by West Brom at the Stadium of Light, they remain in the mix for promotion back to the Premier League.

Bellingham has been key to that impressive start, having put in some all-action displays for Regis Le Bris’ side in a midfield role.

Jobe Bellingham transfer latest

Therefore, it’s perhaps no surprise that the 19-year-old is attracting attention, with recent reports claiming that Dortmund want the player to follow in the footsteps of his brother by joining them in the Bundesliga.

It has been suggested a fee in the region of €25m would be required for Sunderland to do business, and that would represent a substantial profit for the Wearside outfit.

Yet, when asked by FLW whether that would be a suitable offer to accept in January, fan pundit Jack Austwicke made it clear that they shouldn’t be entertaining any offer mid-season, as he backed Bellingham to be worth even more in the summer of 2025.

“No, I wouldn’t (sell)," he said. "The price isn’t bad, but I think if we waited we could get more. Also, every player has a price, but January is an awful time to cash in, and we saw when Bellingham was suspended how important he is to this team. He’s brilliant.

“So, to lose him in January, halfway through a good season, where we are doing really well, that would be stupid in my eyes, that would be silly.

“He’s a top, top player. £25m is a lot of money, but can we replace him that quickly? I don’t think we can. So, not for me. Wait until the summer, at least, before you’re going to cash in on him.”

Jobe Bellingham is key to Sunderland’s promotion push

Most would surely agree with this assessment, and it has to take a massive offer for Sunderland to sell such a key figure in the January window.

Even though the past five games have been frustrating, Sunderland remain in a good position, and they look as though they are capable of giving any side in the Championship a game. So, there’s nothing to fear, and promotion has to be the aim.

With that in mind, they simply can’t sell Bellingham. He is integral to how this side plays, with his power and drive from midfield, and he is very good with how he uses the ball.

As well as that, there are areas he can improve, and he should be contributing more in terms of goals and assists when you look at how much talent he has.

But, we have to remember he is only 19, and if he does add more end product, then his value will only rise.

We know that Sunderland’s strategy is about buying young players, developing them, and selling them on for a big profit, so they may be tempted to cash in should Dortmund make a move for Bellingham.

However, promotion is the priority now, and any sale is something they can revisit in the summer.

In an ideal world for Sunderland, they would be in the Premier League with Bellingham, but, if they’re not, then it is going to be very tough to keep him, although that’s a discussion for further down the line.