Chelsea are reportedly set to make a major transfer bid for Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham. The Sunderland midfielder has been in impressive form over the past two seasons, playing a crucial role in his club’s push for Premier League promotion. His performances have drawn interest from several top clubs, including Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen, and Borussia Dortmund.
Since moving from Birmingham City to Sunderland in 2023, Jobe has developed into a key player for the Black Cats. The club rewarded him with a contract extension until 2028, but with interest growing from both the Premier League and Europe, keeping him at the Stadium of Light could be a challenge.
During the January transfer window, Arsenal and Manchester United were also closely monitoring Jobe’s situation at Sunderland. Borussia Dortmund, the club where Jude Bellingham rose to prominence, remains a potential destination, but Chelsea’s recent involvement could change the course of this transfer race.
According to The Sun, Chelsea have now joined the competition and are preparing a ‘game-changing’ bid for the young midfielder. Despite spending heavily in recent seasons, the London club is keen to bring in more homegrown talent, and Jobe fits their long-term vision. Sunderland’s promotion push could be a key factor in whether they are able to retain him.
Jude Bellingham’s rapid rise has already cemented his place among the world’s best midfielders, and his impact has justified Birmingham City’s decision to retire his No. 22 shirt after his departure. His younger brother is now making his own mark in English football, following a similar path through Birmingham before making his move to Sunderland.
Jude completed his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid in 2023 for £88.5m and has since been a crucial part of the Spanish club’s success. He played a vital role in Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League double last season, and his team is currently in contention for more silverware, sitting third in La Liga and progressing in the Champions League.
While his brother competes for European glory, Jobe remains focused on helping Sunderland earn promotion to the Premier League. The Black Cats took another step forward with a 2-1 victory over Cardiff City, strengthening their position in the Championship play-off spots.
With Chelsea and other clubs keeping a close watch on Jobe’s progress, Sunderland faces a major test in holding onto their talented midfielder. Whether he stays to lead their promotion charge or secures a move to a top-tier club, Jobe Bellingham’s future will be a key story in the coming months.