Sunderland Summer Signing Ahmed Abdullahi Shines for U21s After Injury Comeback
Sunderland summer signing Ahmed Abdullahi has been starring for the club’s U21s since returning from a long-term lay-off.
Sunderland had a busy summer transfer window, bringing in several new players, including the Nigerian striker Ahmed Abdullahi. While the likes of Chris Mepham and Salis Abdul Samed have already made an impact on the first team, Abdullahi has been sidelined due to injury since his arrival.
However, the 22-year-old is now making his mark at the youth level, impressing the Sunderland coaching staff with his performances for the U21 side. Abdullahi, who joined from Belgian club Gent, has scored four goals in his last two U21 matches, including a hat-trick in a 7-0 victory over Huddersfield Town.
“We are pleased with his progress,” said Sunderland U21 coach Regis Le Bris. “He has been unavailable for a long time, but at the moment, he needs more time to find the right level of consistency.”
Despite his impressive displays at the youth level, Abdullahi is yet to feature in a matchday squad for Sunderland’s first team. However, the coaching staff is hopeful that he can continue to develop and make an impact in the coming months.
Something Different from Abdullahi
While Abdullahi offers a different attacking option for Sunderland, the club has already found success with its current forward duo of Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda. Both players have been in excellent form this season, filling the void left by the departure of Ross Stewart over 18 months ago.
Isidor, in particular, has been a standout performer for Sunderland, emerging as a key player in the club’s promotion push. The French forward’s pressing and hold-up play have been praised by the coaching staff, and he has formed an excellent partnership with Mayenda.
Abdullahi, on the other hand, is viewed as a more traditional number nine. His physicality and aerial ability could provide a different dimension to Sunderland’s attack, and the coaching staff will be keen to integrate him into the first-team squad once he has fully recovered from his injury.
Suddenly Blessed with Depth
Sunderland’s injury woes have been well-documented this season, with several key players spending time on the sidelines. However, the club is now starting to see a return to fitness for many of those players, including Abdullahi, Romaine Mundle, Tommy Watson, Alan Browne, Salis Abdul Samed, and Jenson Seelt.
This increased depth could be a crucial factor in the final stretch of the season, as Sunderland looks to maintain their push for promotion. Le Bris has had to rely heavily on his starting XI throughout the first half of the campaign, but the return of these players could provide much-needed options and competition for places.
As the season enters its final months, Sunderland will be hoping that their newfound depth, combined with the impressive performances of players like Abdullahi, Isidor, and Mayenda, will help them achieve their goal of a return to the Premier League.
