JOBE BELLINGHAM SAYS ‘ONLY ONE PERSON’ AT SUNDERLAND WANTED HIM TO STAT DESPITE HE’S THEIR BEST PLAYER

JOBE BELLINGHAM SAYS ‘ONLY ONE PERSON’ AT SUNDERLAND WANTED HIM TO STAT DESPITE HE’S THEIR BEST PLAYER.

Jobe Bellingham’s departure from Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund was one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer. The young midfielder, who played a pivotal role in Sunderland’s rise and return to the Premier League, sealed a big move to Germany in a deal that highlighted both his immense potential and the Black Cats’ growing reputation for developing elite talent.

But in a candid interview, Bellingham has revealed that not everyone at the club was keen on him staying. In fact, he says only one person inside the Sunderland camp really tried to convince him not to leave — his close friend and fellow academy graduate, Chris Rigg.

“To be honest, there was only one person at Sunderland who genuinely wanted me to stay, and that was Chris Rigg,” Bellingham admitted. “He pulled me aside a couple of times and told me, ‘You don’t need to go just yet, we could do something special here together.’ It meant a lot, because we came through the same system and I know how much this club means to him.”

The bond between Bellingham and Rigg has been clear since both broke into the first team. While Bellingham has now taken his talents to Germany, Rigg has emerged as one of Sunderland’s brightest hopes for the future, and his words of encouragement nearly made the midfielder think twice about the move.

“Chris is like a little brother to me,” Jobe continued. “We always pushed each other in training, and he’s got an incredible career ahead of him. When he said those things, it really hit me, because it showed how much he believed in me staying and us leading Sunderland together. It was a tough decision, but in the end, I had to do what I felt was right for my career.”

Sunderland fans will remember Bellingham’s impact fondly. Signed from Birmingham City in 2023, he quickly became a fan favourite with his driving runs, energy, and eye for goal. Last season, he was instrumental in Sunderland’s push to the Premier League, and his departure brought mixed emotions on Wearside — pride at seeing a homegrown talent make a major step up, but disappointment at losing one of their best players.

As for Rigg, he remains central to Sunderland’s long-term project. With Bellingham now in Germany, the 17-year-old is expected to shoulder more responsibility in midfield, a role that fans believe he is more than ready for.

Despite moving abroad, Jobe says his heart still carries a special place for the Stadium of Light.

“Sunderland gave me the platform to shine, and I’ll never forget that,” he said. “The fans were unbelievable with me, and even though I’ve moved on, this club will always be important in my story.”

For Sunderland, life without Bellingham continues — but the thought of what might have been if he had stayed alongside Chris Rigg is something that will linger with supporters for years to come.