Premier League giants Manchester City and Chelsea are reportedly keen to sign Bali Mumba, days after he signed a contract with League One Sunderland.
Do contracts mean nothing these days?
17-year-old Bali Mumba signed his first professional deal with Sunderland on Friday but, just 48 hours later, the teenage midfielder was being linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light.
The Sun have reported that the Premier League’s top two, Manchester City and Chelsea, are both interested in signing Mumba having scouted him during an FA Youth Cup clash against Halifax Town in the week.
Moneybags City are supposedly willing to pay a grand total of £2.5 million.
But, as Sunderland fans have pointed out, what on earth would be the point in Mumba leaving after just three first-team appearances for The Black Cats?
Yes, working with Maurizio Sarri or Pep Guardiola would benefit any young player but the reality is that Mumba would be just one of many talented youngsters in Chelsea or City’s ranks. Staying at Sunderland and forcing his way into Jack Ross’ starting XI would serve him better for the time being given the progression he has made recent months.
Fortunately for Sunderland fans, however, it doesn’t seem likely that Sunderland are willing to cash in on Mumba so soon with manager Jack Ross predicting a bright future for the youngster on Wearside.
“We are delighted to be able to retain our best young players and our most promising players. I think for the club as a whole it is a really good reflection on the academy,” Ross told the club’s official website.
“They have brought him through and now he wants to stay. He is undoubtedly someone who will attract attention throughout the country because of his ability but hopefully it is a real statement of our intent about how we want to move the club forward.”
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