Sunderland player Jobe Bellingham has shared that he performs at his best when playing as a box-to-box midfielder, amid ongoing rumors linking him to a potential move to Manchester United.
The England Under-21 talent has been heavily associated with a transfer to Old Trafford recently, along with interest from several other major clubs both in the UK and abroad. The 19-year-old, younger brother of Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham, has been outstanding for Sunderland this season, contributing significantly to their unexpected push for Premier League promotion. Currently, Sunderland sits fourth in the Championship with eight games remaining.
Bellingham joined the Black Cats from Birmingham City in June 2023 for a reported £3 million. After spending much of his initial season as an attacking midfielder, he has taken on a deeper role this year, playing as a free-roaming No. 8, leading to improved performances. With Christian Eriksen likely to leave Manchester United when his contract expires, the club is expected to seek a box-to-box midfielder, and Bellingham has reportedly emerged as a potential target, especially with Ineos looking to sign young players with high potential.
In December 2023, Bellingham told Sky Sports, “I know playing box-to-box is what I enjoy the most because you can get stuck in and drive forward. I can show more of what I’m capable of in that position, but I do think I have a good skillset as a striker or a No. 10. I have an internal desire to score goals because it’s something I want to do. But it has never come from anywhere else. It is a healthy pressure. A motivation.”
The versatile and athletic midfielder has made 81 appearances for Sunderland since joining almost two years ago, scoring 11 goals, including four in the Championship this season.
