Sunderland You have a 100% winning record so far in championship In 2025, the Black Cats are a distant but dangerous rival to the unpredictable Leeds United at the top of the league.
If the Wearside team can maintain this outstanding form for a long period of time, and the Whites show major cracks in their armor when their nerves are frayed, Regis Le Bris' men could find a place in the top two positions available. .
Of course, anyone who gets too carried away at the Stadium of Light will be aware of how uncomfortable the transfer window has been for the Black Cats, knowing full well that some of their best assets are at risk of being poached.
Sunderland could now lose their £20m star
According to a report by L Football transfers earlier this weekArsenal now has its sights set on snapping up Joby Bellingham next January, with the Gunners preparing for a comprehensive overhaul in the midfield.
The report also states that both Sunderland and Bellingham reached a 'gentleman's agreement' during a round of contract talks last summer meaning the 19-year-old would be allowed to move on if an acceptable offer is made, with rumours. Price: 20 million pounds sterling It is enough for black cats to think about parting ways.
While a loss to Bellingham would be far from ideal for Le Press and their continued chances of promotion, it would not necessarily be the end of the world, especially after the promotion contenders. She acquired the services of Enzo Le Fee This month to promote centrally.
Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the teenager will move to north London and become an instant talent in first-team football, with the deal likely to be reminiscent of Jack Clarke's steady move to Ipswich Town, where the former Sunderland star is now fighting for survival. Make an impact after his bumper The switch is £15 million.
Why could Bellingham be Clark 2.0?
As with Bellingham now, Clarke was one of the first names on Sunderland's squad when he was available for selection, with his final season at the club filled with goals and assists that saw him move to the Premier League.
In fact, the former Leeds United striker will fire off an impressive goal 15 goals in the league Overall during an eventful 2023/24 season, leading to Kieran McKenna's men wanting a slice of the entertaining striker after Ipswich won promotion.
|
Clarke's league numbers last season against 24/25 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics |
||
|
Games played |
40 |
16 |
|
The games have begun |
39 |
4 |
|
Goals were scored |
15 |
0 |
|
Helps |
4 |
2 |
|
Great opportunities were missed |
5 |
2 |
|
It created great opportunities |
12 |
2 |
|
Statistics by Sofascore |
||
The same spark that was present in his game as a key man at Sunderland has not followed him to Suffolk, with just four Premier League appearances his way as a back-up under McKenna.
Ipswich supporters will be a little frustrated by Clarke's failure since arriving at Portman Road, and Arsenal fans will no doubt be upset too if Bellingham joins for £20m and then fades into the background.
While it's undeniable that Bellingham have what it takes to be a success in the big time – having launched lavish home runs like the ones mentioned above in recent weeks to take their league goals tally to… four For the 2024/25 season – Still only 19 years old, this season is only his third full season ever in the men's game.
Clearly the allure of the Emirates could be very tempting, but Le Press appears to be the ideal manager for the teenager at this stage of his development.
If it's Sunderland “diamond” If he were to leave at some point this month – as his former boss Tony Mowbray once described him – it would be a crushing blow at first.
But, as promotion hopefuls have shown with Clarke's departure, nothing is too depressing for long.
