View: Sunderland disappointment Abdoullah Ba surely set for January exit after latest snub
Abdoullah Ba has found himself completely frozen out of Regis Le Bris’ squad and played again for their Under-21 side this week as his senior snub continues.
Ba joined the club with high hopes and actually enjoyed a fairly successful start to life on Wearside, registering nine goal contributions in his first two seasons at the Stadium of Light.
Since then, Ba has yet to feature in a single league game under Regis Le Bris, leaving his future up in the air.
The Frenchman was on the scoresheet for the Under-21s on Monday (21 October) as they secured a 2-0 win over Wolves, with Marshall Burke getting the other.
January could spell the end of a Sunderland career for Abdoullah Ba
It is evident that Le Bris doesn’t see any value in Ba, with the Frenchman more often than not snubbed in his matchday squad with young Tommy Watson preferred.
The full reason is unknown as to why Ba has been completely absent this season but questions have been asked as to whether he pushes himself hard enough in training.
Ba often cut a frustrated figure in his first two seasons at the club but was capable of coming up with a moment of brilliance to seal a win, though his downfall often came in his decision-making.
Too many times Ba would make the wrong decision and, given how badly Sunderland’s season went last year, it is perhaps unsurprising that he was associated heavily with that.
The Frenchman still has plenty of potential and will likely enjoy a successful career, but whether that will be at Sunderland remains to be seen.
January could present Sunderland with an opportunity to either loan out Ba and oversee his development, or potentially cut ties and move him on for good.
Whichever decision is made, it is likely to benefit Sunderland as if a sale were to be the decision, it would almost certainly be for a fee higher than the reported £830,000 they paid for him [Get Football News France].
In other Sunderland news, Former FIFA and Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes Sunderland should have had their opening goal ruled out against Luton Town.
For more Sunderland news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.