Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign 19-year-old Sunderland midfield star Jobe Bellingham.
Sunderland are preparing for a potential summer transfer battle over Jobe Bellingham, with several top clubs circling should they fail to secure promotion to the Premier League. The 19-year-old midfielder has been one of the standout young talents in the EFL Championship this season, and his performances have caught the attention of multiple elite clubs across Europe.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund are currently leading the race for Bellingham’s signature, while Tottenham and Crystal Palace have also been closely monitoring his progress. With Sunderland sitting fourth in the Championship, eight points behind the automatic promotion spots with ten games remaining, missing out on the Premier League could make it difficult for them to retain their prized asset.
Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund Leading the Chase
Bellingham has featured in 32 EFL Championship games this season, contributing four goals and three assists. His rapid development has not gone unnoticed, and clubs see his potential as too good to ignore. Having already amassed over 100 senior appearances at just 19, the England Under-21 international has built a reputation as a composed and technically gifted midfielder.
Chelsea, despite their financial struggles, remain active in the market for young talent, and Bellingham’s versatility makes him an attractive option for their long-term project. Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, have a history of developing young English players — most notably his older brother Jude Bellingham — and could present a compelling case for his development.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace remain interested, but they may struggle to compete financially if Chelsea or Borussia Dortmund make a serious move for him this summer.
Will Chelsea Secure Another Young Star?
Chelsea’s pursuit of Bellingham aligns with their ongoing strategy of signing young talents with high potential. However, financial concerns linger, with reports indicating that the club’s operating losses may have reached £250 million last season. While the Blues have avoided breaching Premier League financial regulations, they must still tread carefully with their spending.
For Bellingham, the choice will come down to his development path. A move to Chelsea would place him in a highly competitive squad, where minutes may not be guaranteed immediately. Dortmund, on the other hand, could offer a clearer pathway to first-team football and an environment that has proven successful for young English talents in the past.
Bellingham’s next move is crucial for his career. While Chelsea’s interest is understandable, the club’s track record with young talents raises concerns about whether he would receive sufficient game time. Given the Blues’ history of loaning out players and stockpiling prospects, Bellingham must weigh whether he would truly be part of their long-term plans.
Borussia Dortmund, with their proven model of nurturing young players, may be the better choice if he prioritises development over an immediate high-profile move. However, if Chelsea can guarantee him a clear role and progression in the first team, they could land yet another promising young talent in their rebuild. Ultimately, the decision will rest on where Bellingham believes he can grow into a top-level player.
