Sunderland AFC can secure Jobe Bellingham twist with big May 24th outcome | OneFootball

Sunderland's May 24th play-off final could decide whether Jobe Bellingham stays or departs from Wearside this summer.

With talks in the air regarding the future of Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, May 24th's Championship play-off final outcome could have a huge say in where the youngster's future lies.

Booking their trip to Wembley in the most dramatic fashion thanks to a last-gasp header from Dan Ballard against Coventry, Sunderland are looking ahead to a battle for a Premier League future against Sheffield United.

A man in particular who has been linked with numerous moves across England, and most recently Borussia Dortmund, is Jobe Bellingham.

With a chance at Premier League football on the line, there could be a huge twist on the horizon as to just where the midfielder will be playing next term.

Borussia Dortmund could prove an enticing offer for Bellingham

As reported by local outlet Ruhr Nachrichten last week, Borussia Dortmund commenced their pursuit of Bellingham.

Head coach Niko Kovac, sporting director Sebastian Kehl, and CEO Lars Ricken all made a flying visit to the north-east, with reports in North Rhine-Westphalia suggesting that BVB took the time to pitch next season's ambitions to the 19-year-old.

Pascal Groß, Marcel Sabitzer and Emre Can are not getting any younger in the Black-yellows' midfield, while fitness issues have seen both Julian Brandt and Felix Nmecha both in and out of the side. As a result of this, Kovac is looking to bolster the middle of the park following his positive stint in charge after arriving in February.

Appearances and ages of Borussia Dortmund's midfield options (Transfermarkt)

Potentially following in the footsteps of older brother Jude, who became a key player at Westfallenstadion between the years 2020 and 2023, a move to the Ruhr valley could be an enticing one for the youngster, with an almost guaranteed path for future development, followed by a potential big move.

Alongside Jude Bellingham, Jamie Gittens, Jadon Sancho and more recently, Carney Chukwuemeka have all been able to showcase their worth as young English talents with Dortmund. While Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembélé and Christian Pulisic all springboarded their careers at the club.

However, for all that Borussia Dortmund can offer, a Premier League return for Sunderland could be just as tempting for Bellingham regarding his future.

Jobe Bellingham's Sunderland future rests on their Wembley outcome

With a trip to Wembley secured, all eyes turn to the Championship play-off final, with Sunderland looking to end their eight-year hiatus from the Premier League.

For all the noise around his future, Bellingham could not have seemed more overjoyed. Taking to Instagram, a post from his account read: "What a team, what a club, what a place and what a night. An absolute pleasure, as always. See you at Wembley, Mackems!"

Should Sunderland topple Sheffield United under the Wembley arch and secure Premier League football for the first time since 2017, the scales could well be tipped when it comes to Bellingham's future.

No longer needing to look elsewhere for top-flight football or a development platform, he would have it all on Wearside.

When this is added to a growing project under Regis Le Bris, a loyal fanbase, and potential regular Premier League minutes, this proposition seems harder and harder to walk away from.

However, if the Black Cats fall short, the door may open wider for Dortmund and others to make their move.

With the Black-yellows in particular, the chance to follow in his brother's footsteps, compete in elite European competion, and develop within one of Europe's most youth-focused setups is one few would turn down.

For now, Wembley will be the only thing on the minds of Sunderland players and supporters alike. But come May 24th, the result could determine the future of one of England's many promising young talents.