Sunderland star could now leave before deadline day if ‘big’ offer is received

This month, Sunderland’s position on Alex Pritchard has drawn criticism.

 

With Tony Mowbray’s reign coming to an end and the midfielder unable to find

playing time, Alex Pritchard appeared destined to depart Sunderland in the summer.

Nevertheless, the 30-year-old chose to remain on Wearside and finally made a

comeback after Michael Beale was appointed.

 

Having started Sunderland’s previous three Championship games, Pritchard

now has the most assists among the team and appears to be a mainstay in the starting lineup once more.

 

As he approaches the last six months of his contract, Pritchard’s future is still uncertain despite his recent strong play.

Birmingham City’s offer to sign him has now been turned down by Sunderland,

but there is still no word on the club’s intention to keep him at the Stadium of Light.

 

Sunderland’s position on Pritchard has left Carlton Palmer perplexed, saying it “makes no sense whatsoever.”

 

Palmer made the following statement to Football League World: “Sunderland has

stated that they will not allow Alex Pritchard to leave the team during the January transfer window.

Birmingham City and former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray made an offer, but Sunderland turned it down.

 

The fact that Sunderland hasn’t extended an offer to him and doesn’t seem to plan

to do so makes the situation peculiar. He has six months left on his deal, so in the

summer he will be leaving the club for no reason at all.

 

“Pritchard wants to continue at Sunderland, but it doesn’t appear like the

team feels the same way. It makes no sense at all because he plays frequently and proficiently.

“You would think should the club receive a big enough offer this month, his exit

could happen before the January transfer deadline.”

What are Sunderland thinking?

Sunderland’s stance on Alex Pritchard has been baffling for a while now.

The club were prepared to let him leave for free last summer even when he still

had 12 months left on his deal, and still seem to be willing to let him leave even

when he has been one of our best players.

I wouldn’t blame Pritchard for wanting to leave though, given how the club have

treated him. It will be completely understandable if it is down to him, but

it doesn’t even feel like Sunderland are bothered about trying to keep him.

It will be another huge mistake made by the board, and it will only hurt more if

he reunites with Tony Mowbray and does brilliantly at Birmingham.