Same here as I think he will grow into his body, if you know what I mean, and get stronger and, more importantly, a bit quicker.
Agreed, he's got the brains and the outline of the body but he needs a bit of time to get used to it. He must be a pretty hefty weight given his height and build that can't be easy to master for a growing lad. Sprint and strength training will make all the difference because he's got the intelligence, he knows how to make space for himself and how to create chances by making runs.
Birmingham City have a 15pc sell on clause with Jobe Bellingham, who is the subject of enquiries from Crystal Palace and Brentford. Southampton and Brentford are also keen on Sunderland's Jack Clarke. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/f...mpaign=1490&ito=social-twitter_dailymailsport.
Just a quick one on Jobe - I find it absolutely staggering that he played 80+ minutes in our last 15 league games He’s 18. We didn’t half put faith in him. Even games he was really poor, he managed to stay on without being dragged off. Mags and QPR at home are just two games I can think of straight away when he really should’ve been hooked…
Thats the point ive also been trying to make about him. It got me thinking its in his contract that he must always play when fit, because it seemed bizarre sometimes that he played so many minutes last season.
I think any 18 year old that came through and scored 7 in effectively their debut season would have suitors. The name only really adds a bit of news worthiness and “ celebrity” He’s not irreplaceable but I would prefer to keep him.
I've been thinking with the Jobe speculation about when we should sell a player under the model. For me, we should see when a player has outgrown us as a club and that their value is as high as it will be whilst being a Sunderland player. Interested to know what yous think about when we should sell. When you look at Clarke, he's one of the best players in the Championship and probably premier league standard (time will tell). He also has a couple of years left on his deal so you'd think his value as a Sunderland player is at its peak now. So for me as much as I want him to stay, this summer is the right time to sell, we finished 16th and his level is way above that. Those funds are then used to strengthen more areas in the squad. With Jobe though, none of the above applies the way it does with Clarke. He hasnt reached anywhere near his full potential, has a lot of time left on his deal, and youd think his value would increase quite significantly in as little as 12 months time. Unless it's a ridiculously overpriced offer, then I'd like him to stay.
Outside of the manager controversy, the club appear to be working extremely hard to acquire targets for the summer, a few have been mentioned, Willock being the biggest story. They know we want a target man style striker who isn't traditional, maybe more like Stewart. They'll be on the hunt for a keeper, probably a former Prem keeper who's a free agent. There was interest in that Porto game when everyone mentioned Danny Loader, too. Just hope when they finally pull the trigger on a manager that they hold till its fully automatic, I want us stocked up on experience and quality (in those pivotal positions).
If the club are banking on Hemir/Mayenda coming good in the next 2 years why not loan an experienced striker with championship experience? That gives the two lads another season as bench/u21 players, takes the pressure off and adjusts expectations.
Not a bad shout. I'd be greedy and want an experienced, championship-quality loan and a permanent signing like Conway or Stansfield.
I think Stansfield is beyond our pay grade at this point, Conway a decent shout but these tribunals can be brutal in terms of incentive payments. Personally I would look at the lad who was on loan at Ipswich, or someone with that level of experience.
Apparently Palace are trying to persuade Jobe to sign for them. According to Romano. So, if that is the case, I wonder what the fee is they’ve agreed with us, as, according to the rules, speaking to another clubs player without permission is tapping up
The key with Jobe is getting the absolute maximum possible, I wouldn't be shocked if there is a buy-out in his contract though.
There may well be,but,imo,this lad is massively overrated at the minute. If he was Jobe Smith I doubt if anyone would be taking the slightlest notice of him. He's talented,for sure,with lots of skills,but his awareness isn't yet where it needs to be. I also wonder if he's still growing,which can happen at his age and sometimes hinders the mobility for a while. If I was advising him,I'd say stick with us for another couple of seasons and develop into our main player. Then,see where you can go from there.
The key may be getting the biggest sell on negotiable- as you say I’d imagine there is a release clause.
I remember Gerrard saying he had similar problems as a teenager. His body was still growing and he suffered with back pain, which restricted his mobility.
