Midfielder, Jobe Bellingham has officially sealed his transfer from Birmingham City to Sunderland.
Sunderland and Birmingham had finalised a £1.5m transfer deal for Bellingham earlier this month, but the 17 year-old was away on international duty for England Under-18s at the time.
Upon returning from his international duties, Bellingham has finally completed his side of the deal to officially seal his transfer to Sunderland, where he has signed a long-term contract and will wear the number seven shirt next season.
Speaking to safc.com about finally confirming his definite move to Wearside, Bellingham commented: “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 17 year-old also acknowledged manager – Tony Mowbray plus the supporters as he added: “I’m looking forward to working under the Head Coach – I want to learn and develop my game – and I feel like I’m progressing every week, so playing with good players will only help that.
“The Stadium of Light is the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in and the fans have already made me feel welcome online, so I’m excited to get going and I’m focused on letting my football speak for itself.”
Sunderland’s Sporting Director, Kristjaan Speakman meanwhile feels that Bellingham’s decision that Sunderland is the club to help him progress “is a massive endorsement of what we are doing.”
Speakman however has urged supporters to show patience as he continued: “He has a great range of technical attributes and he will continue to develop physically despite already showing that he can shoulder the demands of Championship football.
“Like we do with all young players, we will give him time to settle and adapt to his new surroundings, but he can’t wait to get out in front of our supporters at the Stadium of Light and I’m sure they will enjoy his journey with us.”
Bellingham will link up with the senior squad on Monday 26 June for the start of pre-season and could make his debut at home to Ipswich on Sunday 6 August, live on Sky Sports in a 5pm BST kick-off.
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