Breaking News: Jobe Bellingham’s Contract Clause at Sunderland Could Trigger £20m Move as Arsenal and Crystal Palace Show Interest

Jobe Bellingham’s future at Sunderland is in jeopardy following reports of a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in his contract, potentially allowing him to leave for a Premier League club as early as January.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who has become one of the standout performers in the Championship this season, has attracted serious interest from some of England’s top clubs, including Arsenal and Crystal Palace.Bellingham, who joined Sunderland from Birmingham City in 2022, has been pivotal in their campaign, making 23 appearances, scoring four goals, and contributing three assists in the 2024/25 season.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, and several Premier League sides, including Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Manchester United, are reportedly monitoring his progress closely. The emerging news about a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in Bellingham’s new contract, signed this past summer, has raised alarm bells at Sunderland.

According to Football Transfers this clause allows the 19-year-old to leave for a Premier League club if a suitable offer is made. With his value pegged at around £20 million, Sunderland faces the prospect of losing one of their brightest stars mid-season.Premier League clubs are already circling.

Crystal Palace has long been linked with Bellingham, and they are believed to be one of the frontrunners in the race for his signature. Meanwhile, Arsenal has also expressed interest, with the young midfielder fitting their ongoing strategy to recruit emerging talent. Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, has reportedly scouted Bellingham as well, adding another club to the growing list of potential suitors.

The timing of this revelation is critical, with Sunderland currently in a fierce battle for promotion to the Premier League. Losing Bellingham in January could severely impact their season and their chances of reaching the top tier.

The club will be hoping that any interested parties will be forced to wait until the summer to move, but with the ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in place, a swift departure could be on the cards.For Bellingham, a move to the Premier League would be a major career step.

The 19-year-old has proven himself in the Championship and would likely thrive in a top-flight environment. Whether he makes the leap in January or waits until the summer remains to be seen, but his future is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about transfer stories of 2025.

As Sunderland braces for the potential loss of Bellingham, they will be seeking a substantial fee that reflects his talent and potential. The club will also have to consider how to reinvest any proceeds into their squad as they aim to maintain their promotion push. The coming weeks could be pivotal for Sunderland, with several Premier League clubs ready to pounce on the talented midfielder.

Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as this situation develops, with Bellingham’s future at Sunderland hanging in the balance. His potential departure could signal the start of a highly anticipated transfer saga in the New Year.