Soccer
Sunderland AFC forward Ahmed Abdullahi. Copyright: ImagoxDennisxGoodwinx
Nigeria U-20 forward Ahmed Abdullahi is edging closer to leaving Sunderland after being left out of the Black Cats’ senior squad for their latest pre-season outing, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 22-year-old striker is in talks over a move to Turkish Super Lig side Eyupspor as he looks to revive a career that has stalled since arriving in England.
Abdullahi was absent from Régis Le Bris’ first-team squad during Sunderland’s 5-1 pre-season win over York City, instead featuring for the club’s Under-21 side against South Shields. The decision has further fuelled speculation that his future lies away from the Stadium of Light.
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Soccer Ahmed Abdullahi set to exit Sunderland for Eyupspor
According to the Sunderland Echo, discussions between the Black Cats and Eyupspor are ongoing, although an agreement has yet to be finalised.
The former Nigeria U-20 international joined Sunderland from Belgian club Gent in August 2024 on a four-year contract but is still waiting to make his competitive debut for the six-time English Champions after enduring a frustrating spell plagued by injuries.
Before moving to England, Abdullahi was regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest attacking prospects. He represented the Flying Eagles at the 2023 Africa U20 Cup of Nations and previously attracted interest from European heavyweights Borussia Dortmund and Olympique Marseille before opting to join Gent.
With Brian Brobbey, Wilson Isidor and several other attacking options ahead of him in Sunderland’s pecking order, opportunities under Le Bris will undoubtedly be limited.
Despite failing to break into the first team, Abdullahi has impressed for Sunderland’s Under-21 side, scoring six goals in seven appearances, but the club appear prepared to sanction a move that would allow him regular senior football.
Eyupspor, who are preparing for another campaign in the Turkish top flight, view the Nigerian as a long-term attacking option and are hopeful of concluding negotiations in the coming days.
A move to Turkey could provide Abdullahi with the consistent playing time he has lacked since leaving Belgium and potentially place him back in contention for future Super Eagles consideration as Eric Chelle continues to monitor emerging attacking options ahead of the upcoming International break.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual CAF-Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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