£12m Sunderland transfer exit would be 'good business' - according to club legend

Sunderland legend Gary Bennett believes a fee of £12million for Jobe Bellingham would represent good business for the Black Cats.

Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund have been linked with the Sunderland midfielder in recent weeks. The 18-year-old made 45 Championship appearances during his first season on Wearside, after arriving from Birmingham last summer, scoring seven goals for the Black Cats.

Several clubs have been said to be tracking Bellingham over the last year, with Tottenham and Newcastle among those credited with interest in the teenager. According to Football Insider, Champions League finalists Dortmund are also ‘considering a potential move for Bellingham after helping his brother, Jude, become one of the best players in world football.’

The length of Bellingham’s Sunderland contract wasn’t disclosed when he joined the club last summer when it was announced he’d signed a ‘long-term’ deal. However, Sunderland legend and BBC co-commentator Gary Bennett believes the Black Cats could fetch good money for the midfielder during the summer window.

“If they’re offering something in the region of £12million, I think that’s a good fee for him,” Bennett said speaking to the BBC’s Total Sport show on Radio Newcastle. “Look at the lad who’s gone to Palace, Wharton, he went for £18million. He’s a good player for £18million. You’ve just got to look at the two players and think, 18, 12, I think it would be good business.”

When asked about his time at Sunderland back in February, Bellingham told the That's Football YouTube channel: "The atmosphere on matchdays is amazing. It's the perfect place to grow.  What I've learnt is probably to not get too high and not get too low because it's a really emotional club. There are so many people who care about the club and want the best for it.

"In the Championship, it's game after game, so when you do lose it's not the end of the world, although it can feel like it, especially at this club where it means so much."

The 18-year-old predominantly played in midfield during the 2023-24 season but has also had success in a more advanced role, playing as a number nine or off the frontman.