Anderlecht owner explains Nilson Angulo sale to Sunderland in January | OneFootball

Anderlecht owner Marc Coucke has explained the club’s decision to sell Nilson Angulo to Sunderland in January, pointing to the realities of a season without European football.

Angulo made his Sunderland debut on Saturday, appearing late from the bench in a 3-0 defeat to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Sunderland completed a deadline-day move for the 22-year-old Ecuadorian winger, paying an initial £15 million with a further £2.5 million in potential add-ons. “If you don’t play European football for a season, you’re in a situation where you have to sell to keep the club healthy,” he said on De Tafel van Gert.

Coucke indicated he would ideally have kept Angulo in Belgium for longer. It remains to be seen whether the winger starts against Liverpool on Wednesday night, though head coach Regis Le Bris described him as “fit” and “ready” in a Tuesday press conference.

In a social media message, Angulo thanked Anderlecht for the opportunity to realise a childhood dream of playing for a major European club, expressed gratitude to team-mates and staff for helping him develop, and praised fans for their backing. He wished the club success as he begins a new chapter.

Source: Sunderland Echo