Manchester United’s interest in Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham remains “very high” ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window, sources have informed UtdDistrict.
Manchester United are aiming to strengthen Rúben Amorim’s attacking options this summer, with goalscoring issues continuing to be a concern for the team.
While the club have been linked with strikers such as Liam Delap, Victor Osimhen, and Benjamin Šeško, they are also focused on adding quality out wide.
In Amorim’s tactical setup, United play with a central striker supported by two wide attacking midfielders. With Alejandro Garnacho struggling for form and Christian Eriksen’s departure on the horizon, reinforcements are seen as crucial.
The club are reportedly targeting forwards capable of operating on both wings and providing additional creativity, a role that has increasingly fallen to Bruno Fernandes. However, there is also the notion that they may look to bring in players who are capable of showing their creativity from deeper in midfield, too.
Sources: United’s Bellingham interest remains “very high”
Back in December, UtdDistrict revealed that United were set to act on their interest in Sunderland sensation Jobe Bellingham in the summer of 2025.
Now, sources have confirmed to UtdDistrict that interest in the 19-year-old remains “very high” at Old Trafford amid the club’s desire to sign new midfielders for Amorim’s side this summer.
As per club insiders, the player has continued to impress the club’s recruitment staff, now led by United’s head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell. United are looking to improve both in the defensive midfield and attacking midfield departments.
With Amroim’s side likely to activate their summer transfer plan for the player, Bellingham has been touted as an exceptional young talent who could be brought in for a relatively low fee. Reports suggest a deal could be struck for less than £30 million this summer.
He is a player who has consistently demonstrated his abilities as an all-action midfielder, having previously played deeper for Sunderland while also showcasing his skill in scoring “stunning” goals when given the license to go forward.
United maintain a good relationship with Sunderland following the overwhelmingly successful loan of Amad during the 2022/23 campaign, during which the Ivorian international won their Young Player of the Season award.
United also looking to sign “terrifying” Rigg
Aside from Bellingham, United are also reportedly looking to bring in 17-year-old Chris Rigg from Sunderland, whose level of talent has been stated as “terrifying” for Championship opposition.
According to the above report, United are among multiple clubs from the Premier League and across Europe who are desperate to secure the England U19s midfielder, who has made 41 appearances across all competitions.
It is claimed that Rigg would likely cost around or just under £30 million this summer, commanding a similar fee to Bellingham.
Although United are said to have made a proposal to Rigg and his representatives, the young star is not willing to make any decisions until the season is over, with Sunderland pushing for playoff places in the Championship amid a bid to return to the Premier League.
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