According to former Premier League star Danny Murphy, Sunderland`s Jobe Bellingham might find a move to another English top-flight club more advantageous at this stage of his career than joining Borussia Dortmund.
Bellingham is widely expected to complete his transfer to the German giants in the coming days, having reportedly made Dortmund his preferred destination.
Although Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig also showed interest in the young midfielder, Dortmund ultimately convinced the player from Sunderland of the benefits of moving to their club.
An informal understanding between Sunderland and Bellingham suggests he could be transferred for a fee around €30 million, which is less than his official €40 million release clause.
However, Murphy expressed his belief that a switch to a Premier League team right now could be more suitable for Bellingham`s development.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy commented: “My only thing is that was there another Premier League club as an option for him? Because from a footballing point of view, I would, depending on which Premier League club, I think that would probably be more beneficial.”
Despite his preference for a Premier League move, Murphy acknowledged that if the choice is solely between staying at Sunderland and joining Dortmund, the German club would be the better option for the teenager.
He explained: “I think it is a better move for him than staying at Sunderland if it is the only other option. Because he is going to be playing in a team that more than likely are going to lose a lot of games and not have the ball very much.”
Bellingham played a crucial role in Sunderland`s successful Championship campaign last season, contributing seven goals and assists from midfield as the Black Cats secured promotion to the Premier League.
Notably, his older brother, Jude, also significantly developed his career at Borussia Dortmund before making a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid, where he has since become a star.
