Sunderland enter talks with Eyüpspor over forward Ahmed Abdullahi amid first‑team doubts

Abdullahi talks signal change of course for Sunderland striker

Sunderland have opened talks with Turkish Super Lig club Eyüpspor over the possible transfer of Ahmed Abdullahi, the club confirm following his omission from the manager’s immediate first‑team plans during pre‑season.

The 22‑year‑old Nigerian, who arrived at the Stadium of Light from Gent in August 2024 on a four‑year contract, was not involved in Sunderland’s 5‑1 pre‑season win against York City on Saturday. Instead, Abdullahi featured for the under‑21s against South Shields, a development that underlines his current standing in the squad.

Injuries and competition limit first‑team chances

Abdullahi has yet to make a competitive senior appearance for Sunderland after injuries have interrupted his time on Wearside. With senior forward options such as Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor ahead in Régis Le Bris’s pecking order, the young striker’s route to regular first‑team football looks constrained.

Pre‑season has also seen other youngsters given opportunities — notably Trey Ogunsuyi — and the club’s increasing fixture list because of European qualification could provide additional chances across the squad. Even so, a move abroad is now being explored as a way to secure consistent senior minutes.

What a move to Eyüpspor would mean

A switch to Eyüpspor would potentially offer Abdullahi the regular senior football he has lacked while based at the Stadium of Light. For Sunderland, it would be a pragmatic decision: allowing a young, talented player to continue his development elsewhere while freeing space in a forward line that currently contains established signings.

The club has not confirmed any agreement; sources indicate negotiations remain ongoing and no deal has been finalised.

Background on the player

Abdullahi came to prominence in youth set‑ups across Europe and has previously attracted attention from top clubs. He spent time on trial with Marseille and Borussia Dortmund in 2021 before signing for Gent. At international level he has represented Nigeria Under‑20 and was selected for the 2023 Africa Under‑20 Cup of Nations.

The move to Sunderland in 2024 was viewed as a long‑term investment in a forward with pace and potential finishing ability, but injuries have prevented him from staking a competitive claim for a place in the matchday squad so far.

Local context and next steps

For supporters on Wearside, the situation will be familiar: the club is balancing short‑term needs for a competitive first team with longer‑term player development. Recruitment this summer has already produced at least one addition, and further ins and outs are expected as the manager refines his squad for a campaign that will include Europa League fixtures.

Should Abdullahi complete a transfer to Eyüpspor, it would represent another example of Sunderland facilitating moves that prioritise playing time for young talents. Conversely, if negotiations falter, he will remain on Wearside vying for a route back into first‑team consideration.

• Player: Ahmed Abdullahi, 22, Nigerian forward
• Contract: Joined from Gent, August 2024, four‑year deal
• Current status: Talks ongoing with Eyüpspor; no agreement finalised

"No agreement has yet been finalised," clubs say as talks continue over Abdullahi's potential move.

Wearside followers will want clarity on the length and terms of any temporary or permanent move, and whether Sunderland will retain sell‑on protections or buy‑back options. For now, supporters must wait as negotiations proceed and the club shapes a squad designed to meet domestic and European demands.