Sunderland AFC will not rue Jobe Bellingham decision as January looms | OneFootball

The midfielder has been sensational in the middle of the park for the Black Cats.

Sunderland have made some incredible decisions so far this season, with all of them culminating in an excellent start to the campaign that has seen them lead the way for the majority of the opening months.

Regis Le Bris has adapted brilliantly to the Championship in his first year in England, and has inspired his young side to the top of the table, a huge five points clear of Burnley in 2nd after just 12 games.

While it is still early days, the Black Cats have cemented themselves as an early contender for the league title, a surprising feat considering they only finished 16th in 2023/24.

Nevertheless, performance levels have been extremely high across the pitch, especially in midfield, where Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham have formed one of the strongest partnerships in the EFL.

The latter of the pair may have found himself slightly in the shadow of his Real Madrid brother, Jude, but he has shown just what he is capable of himself, and with his future secured at the Stadium of Light, it seems as though Sunderland are in control of his next movement.

Extending Bellingham's deal was an inspired decision

Although he came up with goals in big moments last season, Bellingham had perhaps not fully found his feet in the Championship. Therefore, when the Black Cats made the choice to extend his contract until the summer of 2028, it could have been seen as too early.

The midfielder was just 18 when the deal was signed, but he has quickly shown why he was given that extension, becoming one of the most important cogs in Le Bris' team.

Not only does it give Sunderland confidence that he has the chance to be at the club in four years' time, but it also allows them to hold all the cards when it comes to the January transfer window.

Bellingham was the subject of interest from Premier League clubs Brentford and Crystal Palace in the past, and it would not be a surprise to see that reignited in the winter, but it gives the Black Cats the chance to decide if, where and for how much he moves for.

The 19-year-old has an extremely bright future ahead of him, and he has already started to prove his class in the Championship this season. His goal against Derby County was a wonderstrike, and a clear indication of just how dangerous he can be with the ball at his feet, something that top flight sides will be aware of.

Bellingham should see the season out at Sunderland

While it may be tempting for Bellingham to seek a move to the Premier League in January, seeing out the season at the Stadium of Light is a must, particularly with his side's current promotion push.

The next few months will not be easy, there will be a lot of interest in the midfielder, and it will be difficult to ignore some of that conversation, particularly if the calibre of clubs involved reaches those playing European football.

Moreover, with his name, there is perhaps pressure on him to perform more than others. It is by no means his own fault, but with his brother's career trajectory, there will be other clubs out there hoping to recreate the Bellingham story themselves.

But, with his current form for Sunderland, he can create his own legacy in the North East of England, and help a famous club return to a level that they have been away from for too long.