
English Premier League side Sunderland have pulled off a major coup by signing Nigerian Under-20 striker Ahmed Abdullahi from Belgian side Gent just before the close of the summer transfer window, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Abdullahi, who featured for Nigeria’s Under-17 and Under-20 sides in separate years, has only played once for Gent in Belgium’s top flight but his impeccable goalscoring record for the B team called Jong Gent caught the attention of the Black Cats.
Explaining the signing of the 20-year-old Nigerian, Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman explains that the plan is for him to slot straight into the first-team plans.
“We are delighted to welcome Ahmed to Sunderland,” Speakman said of the speedy striker’s signing.
βHe is a natural centre-forward who likes to play in central areas, as well as being an excellent finisher. He has an impressive goalscoring record at youth level and has recently been promoted to the Gent first team. We will give him time to adapt and support him in that process, but he will provide immediate competition for our forward line and we look forward to seeing him grow with us throughout the season and beyond.β
Mohamed Mowiz Suleiman