It tells you much about Bellingham that this wasn't how he saw it. Sunderland's eventual 16th-placed finish, and the way the campaign had unravelled, rankled. Bellingham vowed to stay, and to be in best position possible to put it right.

Sunderland Standing Firm as Dortmund Pursue Jobe BellinghamQuiet Confidence Behind Stubborn NegotiationsAFC Sunderland’s resolve is being tested, and so far, they’re not blinking. According to

Jobe Bellingham is heading to Borussia Dortmund at 19, retracing a path once taken by his brother Jude, but determined to make his name stand on its own. After playing a vital role in Sunderland’s promotion run,