Sunderland fans call for Ahmed Abdullahi exit in January after scenes for Under-21s
Ahmed Abdullahi has not exactly had a great time of things since arriving at Sunderland some 14 months ago now.
The 21-year-old did not make a first-team appearance last season due to a pre-existing groin injury he arrived from Gent with.
Abdullahi was linked with a summer exit from Sunderland but ultimately remained at the Stadium of Light beyond the transfer window closing.
Regis Le Bris recently said there is a future for Abdullahi at Sunderland, and the young forward certainly showed what he is capable of for the Under-21s in Friday.
Ahmed Abdullahi scores twice for Sunderland U21s
Abdullahi’s injury issues have been frustrating for Sunderland fans given he arrived amid plenty of fanfare in a £2.5million deal.
That was not exactly a small amount for a team at that point in the Championship on a player that was not exactly known to supporters.
Abdullahi is now slowly starting to find his feet, albeit at U21 level, having netted twice for Sunderland in their 2-1 win over their Colchester United counterparts on Friday.
The forward took his chances well, with his second goal – as seen below – showing he has pace and superb finishing ability.
Sunderland fans rightly reacted excitedly to that clip, with one saying: “Really looking forward to seeing him in the first team.”
Another added: “He’ll be ripping up the Premier League in a season or two.”
The long-term picture is indeed important when it comes to Abdullahi, with some believing time out on loan makes sense.
Reflecting the views of many, another said: “He is far better than this level.”
Loan exit makes most sense for Abdullahi in January
Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League worked against Abdullahi in many ways.
While he may have got chances to prove himself in the Championship, first-team opportunities will be much harder to come by in the top tier.
| Team | Apps (all comps) | Goals |
| Gent B | 14 | 21 |
| Gent | 2 | 0 |
| Sunderland U21s | 4 | 6 |
| Sunderland | 0 | 0 |
There is simply no chance of Abdullahi being in the squad for Sunderland’s Premier League clash with Wolves on Saturday, for example.
Abdullahi is as raw as they come given his lack of first-team appearances at any level, but time is very much on his side.
A January move to a Championship club would surely make perfect sense, before he then gets the chance to push for starts under Le Bris in 2026-27.
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