Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is determined to keep hold of star midfielder Jobe Bellingham following the club’s return to the Premier League, according to Guardian journalist Ed Aarons.
The 19-year-old England Under-21 international has held transfer talks with several Bundesliga clubs this week, including Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund, as speculation over his future intensifies. However, despite the significant European interest and the player’s recent visit to Germany, Aarons reports that Sunderland remain hopeful of retaining Bellingham’s services for their top-flight campaign.
Posting on X, Aarons said: “Understand that Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is determined to keep Jobe Bellingham after their promotion to the Premier League. The England Under 21 midfielder has held talks with clubs in Germany this week but it remains to be seen whether he will be allowed to leave.”
Bellingham played a key role in Sunderland’s impressive 2024–25 campaign, which culminated in a dramatic 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. He remains under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2028, giving the club a strong negotiating position, should interest continue to mount.
In a further update, Aarons also revealed that Sunderland are still mulling over whether to pursue a move for Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson. The 33-year-old, a graduate of the club’s academy, was present at Wembley to watch the play-off final and has been strongly linked with a return to Wearside. “Sunderland are also believed to be still considering whether to try and re-sign Jordan Henderson this summer,” Aarons added.
