RB Leipzig keen on Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham | OneFootball

RB Leipzig are interested in Sunderland midfield ace Jobe Bellingham, according to Philipp Hinze.

Bellingham has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace. Borussia Dortmund, his brother’s former club, and Leipzig have registered their admiration.

The 19-year-old is an offensive player with a physical presence. There is room for improvement, but Die Roten Bullen are ready to take the punt. Sunderland want between €25-30 million to let him go.

Bellingham has bagged four goals and three assists in 38 Championship games this term, catching the eye as Sunderland enter the play-offs for a place in the Premier League.

However, Bellingham is not what Leipzig are missing. If they are considering him as a replacement for Xavi Simons, they will be disappointed.

While Bellingham has shown glimpses of promise in the Championship, he is still very raw. He is a player with potential rather than polish.

By contrast, Simons is already an excellent creator, capable of changing games with his movement, vision and end product.

The Dutchman operates with a sharpness and intelligence in the final third that Bellingham does not possess yet.

Bellingham is more of a box-to-box midfielder with physical attributes, but he doesn’t carry the same creative weight or attacking firepower.

Leipzig might admire his upside, but if they are trying to fill the void left by Simons with a player still learning to assert himself consistently, it could be a step backwards.

He does not have the same stylistic profile as Amadou Haidara, who is reportedly open to leaving Leipzig this summer after seven years.