Manchester United’s interest in 19-year-old Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham remains intense as they plot a potential sub-£30m move amidst fierce competition.
Manchester United kept their hopes alive of lifting the Europa League trophy and booking a spot in next season’s Champions League with a dramatic victory over Lyon this Thursday. That win has fueled the Red Devils’ drive to reinforce key areas before the summer transfer window opens.
Erik ten Hag knows midfield reinforcements are crucial, but United’s spending power hinges on player sales to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Balancing departures with targeted arrivals will shape the club’s appetite for new signings.
Scouts have monitored Jobe Bellingham’s progress closely over the last six months. The 19-year-old has impressed United’s recruitment chiefs with his technical range, tactical intelligence, and fearless approach. His performances have placed him firmly on Old Trafford’s shortlist.
This season, Bellingham has featured in 36 Championship matches, registering four goals and three assists while accumulating over 3,200 minutes of play. Those contributions played a key role in Sunderland securing fourth place and a play-off berth—their best league finish since 2017.
Versatility underpins Bellingham’s appeal. Equally adept as a holding number six, industrious number eight, or creative number ten, he offers tactical flexibility. United see him as a long-term solution to bolster both defensive solidity and attacking impetus in midfield.
Insiders suggest Manchester United are poised to trigger their summer plan once player departures are confirmed. While Sunderland would ideally demand around £30 million, United believe they can finalise a deal below that figure—unless the Black Cats clinch promotion to the Premier League, which would lift Bellingham’s valuation significantly.
Competition for his signature is intense. Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Brentford have all dispatched scouts to the Stadium of Light in recent weeks. Each club stands ready to enter talks should Sunderland stumble in the play-offs.
Old Trafford executives are acutely aware of past transfer misses. United missed out on his brother, Jude Bellingham, in 2020 when he opted for Borussia Dortmund. That high-profile setback drives their determination not to repeat history with Jobe.
Despite outsider interest, Bellingham’s focus remains firmly on Sunderland’s promotion push. He aims to finish the season strongly and lift the club back into the top flight via the play-offs, where they will contest for a place in English football’s elite.
Should Sunderland fail to secure a return to the Premier League, retaining their prize asset will become increasingly difficult. United are prepared to accelerate negotiations in that scenario, confident that their long-term project and Champions League prospects will appeal to the youngster.
In addition to Bellingham, Manchester United have also scouted his 17-year-old teammate, Chris Rigg. The prospect of a double raid on Sunderland underscores United’s commitment to securing young British talent capable of shaping the club’s midfield for years to come.
