Sunderland complete signing of midfielder Bellingham
![Sunderland's Stadium of Light](https://adrcezvpwp.cloudimg.io/v7/et-production-files.s3.amazonaws.com/media/extratime/images/articles/ead5f452-1489-4300-812c-cec3279e1419.jpg?width=825&height=550)
"The Stadium of Light offers the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in" - Jobe Bellingham Credit: Brian Dowden
Sunderland has confirmed the signing of Jobe Bellingham from Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee.
Fresh off a stint with England’s Under-18s, the talented midfielder has moved to Wearside and inked a long-term deal with the club.
Bellingham had a solid 2022-23 season with Birmingham. He established himself as a key figure in the senior squad, making 22 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship.
The 17-year-old made his debut for the Blues when he was just 16 and has since represented England at the Under-16, 17, and 18 levels.
On completing the move, Bellingham stated, “I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and I can’t wait to get started. I spent many years at Birmingham City and that really helped my development, but now felt like the right time to take the next step."
"The Stadium of Light offers the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in and the fans have already made me feel welcome online. I’m excited to get going and let my football speak for itself.”
Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman expressed his enthusiasm for the new recruit.
He said, “Jobe’s a player who is focused on being the best version of himself, and his belief that Sunderland can best support his progression is a massive endorsement of what we are doing. He has a great range of technical attributes and he has shown he can handle the demands of Championship football."
"We will give him time to settle and adapt, but he can’t wait to perform in front of our supporters at the Stadium of Light. I’m sure they will enjoy his journey with us.”
Scheduled to don the no.7 shirt, Bellingham will meet his new colleagues on Monday as pre-season training kicks off at the Academy of Light.