(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Regis Le Bris says 'quick and strong' talent has future at Sunderland despite recent developments

Alex Charlton
Alex Charlton

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

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Sunderland now have a squad packed with quality after a landmark summer of transfer activity.

It is hard to know where to begin when picking apart Regis Le Bris' team, with Granit Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele, and Robin Roefs impressing at the Stadium of Light.

However, the success of Le Bris' side means that some have fallen out of favour in the North East.

Now, the Frenchman has spoken out on one particular outcast, stating that he still has a future on Wearside.

Robin Roefs playing for Sunderland
(Credit: Imago)

Regis Le Bris addresses Ahmed Abdullahi's future at Sunderland

Many thought that Abdullahi would leave Sunderland in the summer, given the events that unfolded over the summer.

The Black Cats signed the striker just over a year ago, but he failed to make a single appearance last season because of a pre-existing groin injury he arrived with.

We are now seven games into the season, and the 21-year-old is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Wearsiders since signing.

"Yeah, I think so. He's really young, he's talented," Le Bris said via the Northern Echo when asked if Abdullahi still has a part to play for Sunderland.

"He was unlucky to suffer from this injury and didn't find the right rhythm. I hope it would be the case in the next month and we'll see the best version of Ahmed."

Ahmed Abdullahi in Sunderland kit
(Credit: Imago)

Why Regis Le Bris is saving face with Ahmed Abdullahi

Abdullahi played a part in Sunderland's pre-season, but then who didn't?

Last summer, Kristjaan Speakman was under pressure to sign strikers after the Black Cats' attack's dismal figures the season prior.

In the end, Wilson Isidor and Abdullai arrived on Wearisde, but the pair have experienced contrasting fortunes since then.

When the latter showed up at the Stadium of Light, Le Bris spoke positively about the Nigerian's traits and what he would offer his side.

  • Abdullahi scored 21 goals in 38 appearances in the Belgian third tier
  • He has two goals in seven games for the Nigeria under-20s
  • Played against South Shields in pre-season

“He’s (Abdullahi) a big boy, quick and strong,” the 49-year-old said via the Northern Echo last September.

“He's a good finisher, he's young, 20, so like Eliezer (Mayenda), he will need time to develop for sure and to integrate all the elements we have in the team. But he's a good signing."

While Le Bris has supported Abdullahi, and rightly so, it is hard to see a way into the team for the 21-year-old, with Isidor, Mayenda, and Brian Brobbey ahead of him.

Indeed, he could be on course to emulate Emmanuel Eboue, who left Wearside having never played a match for Sunderland.

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Ahmed Abdullahi
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