Championship club Sunderland has completed the signing of former Nigeria U20 international Ahmed Abdullahi from KAA Gent on a four year deal. The transfer was finalized just before the close of the summer transfer window. The 20 year old striker, who scored 21 goals in 28 appearances for KAA Gent's 1ste Nationale side last season, joins Sunderland with a club option for an additional year extending into the 2028-2029 season, subject to international clearance.
Abdullahi struggled to break into the first team at Gent, making only two senior appearances due to injuries. However, his in the lower leagues caught the attention of Sunderland, who were looking to bolster their attacking options. The deal is reportedly valued at over three million euros, making it a profitable move for Gent, who decided to cash in on the player as he was in the final year of his contract.
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Sunderland's sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, described Abdullahi as a natural centre forward with a strong presence in central areas and an excellent finishing ability. However, Abdullahi was not included in Sunderland's gameday squad for their Championship clash against Portsmouth, delaying his competitive debut for the club.
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The signing of Ahmed Abdullahi by Sunderland is a promising development for both the player and the club. Abdullahi's journey from the Nigerian youth setup to the Belgian leagues and now to England's Championship highlights his resilience and potential. With Sunderland's rich history and ambition to return to the Premier League, Abdullahi has the opportunity to establish himself as a key player in their quest for promotion.
Abdullahi’s goal scoring record at KAA Gent's lower-tier side demonstrates his ability to find the back of the net consistently, a trait that Sunderland will hope he can replicate in the more competitive environment of the Championship. This move is also significant for Nigerian football, as another young talent leaps a major European league, further solidifying the country's reputation as a producer of top footballing talent.
For Abdullahi, this transfer is a chance to overcome the challenges he faced at Gent, particularly the injuries that limited his first-team opportunities. At Sunderland, he will need to adapt quickly to the physicality and pace of English football, but if he can maintain his scoring touch, he could become a vital asset for the Black Cats.
As the season progresses, Sunderland supporters will be eager to see how Abdullahi integrates into the squad and contributes to their promotion campaign. His success could pave the way for more Nigerian players to follow in his footsteps, continuing the proud tradition of Nigerian footballers making an impact in England.
Did You Know?
Sunderland has a rich history in [English](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/merchandising-and-branding/beyond-limits-graduate-ogundana-strengthens-ekiti-football-ecosystem/) football, having won six league titles, although their last top flight title came in 1936.
The Stadium of Light, Sunderland's home ground, has a capacity of 49,000, making it one of the largest football stadiums in England.
Ahmed Abdullahi was part of Nigeria’s U20 squad that competed in the [FIFA U20](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_U-20_World_Cup) World Cup, showcasing his talent on the international stage.
Sunderland's youth academy has produced several notable players, including Jordan Henderson, who went on to captain Liverpool and win the Premier League.
The English Championship is known for being one of the most competitive second tier leagues in the world, with promotion to the Premier League being highly coveted.