'Harshly dealt with' - Why being Jude’s brother is tough for Jobe Bellingham as teenage Sunderland midfielder is billed as 'Premier League player in the making'

At 19 years of age, Jobe is looking to follow in the illustrious footsteps of his England international sibling. He has seen a move to Borussia Dortmund speculated on that would see him tread a similar career path to current Real Madrid superstar Jude.

Sunderland are understandably reluctant to part with Jobe, as a big price tag is placed around his neck, and want to see him help them to promotion into the Premier League. That expectation can make life tricky for the youngster, but he is being tipped to reach the very highest level.

Ex-Sunderland and England full-back Michael Gray has told Betfred of what Jobe has to contend with: "He’s young, he’s talented and I think he’s harshly dealt with at times because he’s judged alongside his brother Jude, who’s been sensational. I have no doubt in my mind that he’s a Premier League player in the waiting, if that’s where he wants to go. There’s a lot of clubs in Europe after him and Borussia Dortmund have been watching him on a weekly basis as well.

"I don’t believe he’s Sunderland’s best midfielder, I believe Chris Rigg is, but I believe he will stay until the summer because I don’t believe the club is going to sell players in January because they’ve got themselves into a great position, which people weren’t expecting them to be in. I’d have been very happy with a top half finish before the start of the season because of how young the side is."

Gray added on the plans that Bellingham should be drawing up for what promises to be a bright future: "There’s no doubt that Jobe Bellingham is an outstanding talent. He’s got that movement that his brother’s got, he’s got an eye for goal, he’s certainly got an eye for a pass and he can jump straight into the Premier League.

"I hope he stays and I know the Sunderland fans expect him to stay, but wouldn’t it be nice if he can get promoted with them? Then he could move."

Bellingham joined Sunderland from Birmingham in 2023 and has registered 11 goals for the club through 69 appearances. He is tied to a contract through to the summer of 2028, meaning that the Black Cats are under no pressure to cash in on their prized asset.