"He ticks every box" - Sky Sports pundit backs Man Utd to seal deal for Sunderland ace Jobe Bellingham | OneFootball

The 19-year-old has been in sparkling form for the Black Cats this season, and is now on Ruben Amorim's radar.

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has warned Jobe Bellingham about leaving Sunderland AFC this month, with the 19-year-old being targeted by Premier League sides, including Manchester United.

Reports over the last week have linked the talented teenager with a move away from the Stadium of Light after an explosive start to the season, with Crystal Palace also keen on a move for the midfielder.

The Black Cats have enjoyed an incredibly impressive Championship campaign so far, and they have been the surprise package in the division since the first ball was kicked all the way back in August.

Sunderland are embroiled in a four-team automatic promotion battle, but losing their key man could put a stop to the momentum that they have, and there will be a huge desire to see Bellingham remain in Wearside until the end of the season at the very least.

Goodman makes verdict on Bellingham's future

The 19-year-old has played a crucial role for Regis Le Bris this season, and he has shown maturity beyond his age in the heart of the Black Cats' midfield.

It's been an excellent year for him so far, and he has carried over his form from last season into 2024/25. Therefore, it is no surprise to see those in the Premier League show an interest in him, but given Sunderland's position in the Championship, leaving now could be the wrong decision.

Speaking to Plejmo.com, Sky Sports pundit Goodman issued his verdict on Bellingham's future and whether he believes a move to Manchester United would be the right decision.

"Unequivocally, I would be staying at Sunderland for the rest of this season if I was Jobe Bellingham," he started. "Manchester United have been linked with a move for him in the summer and I think that makes perfect sense.

"He's a midfielder who can do literally everything. He can play the deep role, conventional or advanced. He can even play as a false nine. He can pass, he can dribble, he can run, he can tackle, he can create and he can score goals."

Goodman continued: "There's been so much criticism over Manchester United's lack of athleticism in midfield, so a move for Jobe makes sense. It might be a big step-up and a gamble but he's 19 and is only going to get better. He ticks every box for Man United and while it's a different level, you just need to look at how his brother stepped up from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund.

"From his brother, we know that Jobe comes from a grounded family who give them both a lot of support. My advice to him would be, see the season out at Sunderland and you could be a Premier League player with them. If not, there will be lots and lots of opportunities on the table in the summer."

Bellingham has plenty of time left in his career to make moves

Being linked to high-profile clubs will be extremely exciting for Bellingham, and he will be hoping to follow in his brother, Jude's, footsteps in moving to some of the best teams in Europe. However, he has more than enough time in his career to make those moves.

Seeing the season out at Sunderland is crucial to his development, and he will only increase the interest from other clubs, and he will have more choice when the time comes for him to move on.

Furthermore, he owes it to the Black Cats to help them in their push for the Premier League, and he could prove to be the difference for them in finishing in the top two or settling for a place in the play-offs.

Bellingham's future is bright, but leaving now may be more of a hindrance than a help, and he will still have the same opportunities for a move away in the summer.