“He’s a good finisher” Regis Le Bris reveal new signing already settling in and will come good in no time despite not impressing the Black Cats crowd vs Burnley.
After a hectic search for a new number nine on August 30th, Sunderland secured the signing of 20-year-old Nigerian striker Ahmed Abdullahi late in the day. Abdullahi, a centre-forward from KAA Gent, was one of several players linked with a move to the Stadium of Light, including fellow Nigerian Gift Orban. While Abdullahi may not have been Sunderland’s top choice, the club managed to bring him in for a reported fee of €3 million (~£2.55 million).
In addition to Abdullahi, Sunderland also signed French forward Wilson Isidor on loan from Zenit St Petersburg.
Head coach Régis Le Bris has made good use of his attacking options since arriving, with 19-year-old Eliezer Mayenda emerging as his preferred number nine. Mayenda has already contributed two goals and two assists in Sunderland’s first four Championship games.
The emergence of Mayenda as a first-team option is timely, as Le Bris doesn’t expect Abdullahi to be ready for immediate action at that level.
### Régis Le Bris’ Outlook on Ahmed Abdullahi
Le Bris acknowledges that Abdullahi will need time to adapt to his new environment. Abdullahi had made only one senior appearance for Gent before his transfer, but Le Bris believes Sunderland offers the right setting for his development.
“He’s a big boy, quick and strong. He’s a good finisher and young, just 20. Like Eliezer, he will need time to develop and integrate into the team, but he’s a good signing,” Le Bris told the *Northern Echo*.
Le Bris emphasized the importance of patience, saying, “There’s always pressure, but we understand young players need time to develop and make mistakes in order to learn. This will definitely be the case with Ahmed.”
Sunderland’s youth-first approach has already paid off, with Mayenda’s rise being faster than expected. Last season, he appeared in just eight league games, starting only once. Yet, he is a testament to Sunderland’s commitment to nurturing young talent, a philosophy that has benefited much of the current starting lineup.
### Sunderland’s Strategy Paying Off
Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman have faced criticism, particularly after a tough season last year. However, Le Bris’ arrival seems to have brought more balance to the club’s operations.
Unlike previous seasons, where the focus was heavily on signing players under 23, Sunderland’s recent acquisition of Alan Browne shows a more flexible approach. This season, the club’s strategy is starting to highlight the positives, signaling that the way Sunderland is being run is finally bearing fruit.