Sunderland could face a fight to retain key duo Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke beyond the end of this year’s summer transfer window.
Sunderland Nation claims that both players are presently being watched by Serie A team Lazio.
Although the Italian team was rumoured to have made approaches for Clarke during the January transfer window, they were ultimately unable in closing a deal for the former Leeds United player because the Black Cats were so keen to keep him.
There has also been conjecture over Bellingham’s future for a portion of the season, even though he only made the transfer from Birmingham City during the summer window.
The 18-year-old England youth international is not only coveted by Lazio but also by Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur, the latter two of whom are rumoured to have a “strong” interest in him.
Both of the aforementioned players have started every game under Tony Mowbray and Michael Beale this season; Bellingham’s starts are more surprising given his youth and the fact that he didn’t start many games for Birmingham the previous season.
Nonetheless, the pair has made an impression, especially Clarke, who has excelled in his second full season at the Stadium of Light. And in spite of interest from other teams, they have to be kept.
Jack Clarke is Sunderland’s most important player
It should come as no surprise that Clarke has been outstanding this season given how excellent he was throughout his first full season at the Stadium of Light last term.
His contributions have been equally significant this year as they were last, with the winger making up for a front department that wasn’t performing up to par.
They may have more choices for strikers than they did the previous season, but Mason Burstow has had difficulty during his time here, and Nazariy Rusyn has taken some time to get used to life on Wearside following his relocation from Ukraine to the UK.
Throughout the last 18 months, he has not only contributed a lot of assists but also scored goals on a regular basis.
Although he may not have flourished at Spurs, the 23-year-old has elevated his game and the Black Cats would be greatly missed if he were to go. He has now made a permanent home someplace.
Clarke’s absence will be particularly felt as fellow attacker Alex Pritchard is no longer available.
Jobe Bellingham needs to be sold by Sunderland at the right time
Bellingham might be the most valuable player in terms of money for the Black Cats.
In addition to his immense potential, Jobe’s membership in the Bellingham family will likely add much to his value—even though it arguably shouldn’t.
It will be important to sell him when the moment is right, and if Beale’s team wants to get the most money for him, now doesn’t seem like the best time to split ways with the player.
Considering his age and lack of senior-level experience, he has performed remarkably well this season, recording five goals and one assist in 32 competitive games.
Still, if the Black Cats hope to get the best deal possible for the teenager, now is arguably not the time to sell him.
The duration of his deal is unknown, but Beale’s team will likely have to wait another year or 18 months to see significant financial gains. Bellingham would then have more time to mature and increase in value.
Both players might even prove to be valuable assets in the Premier League, which would undoubtedly give the Black Cats an advantage in negotiations should they succeed there.
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