The Nigerian striker is reportedly attracting serious interest from the Turkish Super Lig following an impressive run with Sunderland’s Under-21 team.
Nigeria U-20 striker Ahmed Abdullahi could be on his way out of Sunderland, with Turkish Super Lig club Eyupspor reportedly making significant progress in their pursuit of the young forward.
Speculation surrounding Abdullahi’s future gathered pace after he was left out of Sunderland’s senior squad for their 5-1 pre-season victory over York City. Rather than travelling with the first team, the Nigerian featured for the club’s Under-21 side in a separate fixture against South Shields.
According to the Sunderland Echo, discussions between Sunderland and Eyupspor are ongoing, although both clubs have yet to finalize the transfer.
Abdullahi joined Sunderland from Belgian club Gent in August 2024 on a four-year contract. However, injuries have limited his progress, preventing him from making a competitive appearance for the Black Cats since arriving in England.
Before moving abroad, the former Flying Eagles striker had established himself as one of Nigeria’s most promising young attackers. He represented Nigeria at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and reportedly attracted interest from clubs including Borussia Dortmund and Olympique Marseille before signing for Gent.
Competition for places has also made life difficult for the 22-year-old at Sunderland. With several established forwards ahead of him in the pecking order, opportunities in the first team have remained scarce under head coach Régis Le Bris.
Despite those challenges, Abdullahi has continued to impress at youth level. The striker scored six goals in seven appearances for Sunderland’s Under-21 side, highlighting his potential and attracting attention from clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options.
Reports suggest Sunderland are open to allowing the Nigerian leave if it provides him with consistent first-team football and an opportunity to continue his development.
Eyupspor are believed to see Abdullahi as a long-term investment and remain confident that an agreement can be reached before the transfer window closes.
Should the move materialize, the Turkish Super Lig could offer the young striker the regular playing time needed to revive his career and enhance his chances of breaking into the senior Super Eagles squad in the future.