Why Sunderland are taking a cautious approach with Ahmed Abdullahi’s return | OneFootball

Sunderland are taking a cautious route with Ahmed Abdullahi’s first-team return despite his U21 goals. He has rejoined the senior group after injury.

According to Sunderland Echo, he joined from Gent in summer 2024 for a seven-figure fee despite limited senior experience and immediately had groin surgery. Recovery was difficult, so he never had an extended spell of full training in his first season.

Pre-season was promising and a loan to Angers was arranged, but the DNCG, France’s football financial watchdog, blocked it. He stayed on Wearside, suffered minor setbacks and still lacked a consistent training block by January.

He then scored twice in a 5-2 U21 win over Leeds United. He did not feature against Port Vale or Brighton, after which Régis Le Bris said Wilson Isidor was managed for injury and Abdullahi was outside the matchday 20.

Abdullahi has since trained without setbacks and Sunderland are intent on building him up carefully as Premier League intensity raises the load. The plan is to let him adjust at a measured pace.

He could push for minutes late in the campaign, most definitely, with a three-week break offering a chance while many seniors are away. If he comes through unscathed, close to two months of regular training, plus U21 minutes, would follow and the picture might change. He is a major prospect, but patience remains essential.

Source: Sunderland Echo