Sunderland AFC have confirmed the permanent transfer of Nigerian striker Ahmed Abdullahi to Turkish Süper Lig side Eyüpspor, bringing an end to the forward’s brief spell at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats announced the move on Tuesday, issuing a short statement wishing the 22-year-old well as he begins a new chapter in Turkey.
“Sunderland AFC can confirm Ahmed Abdullahi has joined Eyüpspor. Good luck, Ahmed.”
Abdullahi joined Sunderland from Belgian club KAA Gent on transfer deadline day in August 2024 after emerging as one of Nigeria’s most exciting young attacking prospects.
The Nasarawa-born striker arrived in England with an impressive reputation, having scored 21 goals in 28 appearances for Gent’s reserve side during the 2023/24 campaign. His performances had previously attracted interest from European heavyweights including Borussia Dortmund and Olympique Marseille, while he also represented Nigeria’s U-20 national team at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
However, his time on Wearside was hampered by persistent injury setbacks.
Shortly after arriving at Sunderland, Abdullahi underwent surgery to address a recurring groin problem that significantly delayed his progress. Although he returned to training with the first team and impressed for the club’s Under-21 side whenever fit, the Nigerian never made a competitive senior appearance.
Following Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League, competition for places became even more intense, with established forwards Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor ahead of him in head coach Régis Le Bris’ attacking plans.
Negotiations between Sunderland and Eyüpspor had been progressing for several weeks. Abdullahi was notably absent from the senior squad during pre-season fixtures and instead featured for the club’s Under-21s, further indicating that a departure was imminent.
The move to Eyüpspor offers the Nigerian forward a fresh opportunity to rebuild his career with regular first-team football in the Turkish top flight.
The Istanbul-based club see Abdullahi as a long-term investment, believing his pace, movement, and natural goalscoring instincts can flourish with consistent playing time after a frustrating spell in England.
For the former Flying Eagles striker, the transfer represents a chance to rediscover the form that made him one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents and earned him recognition across Europe.
Sunderland, meanwhile, have thanked Abdullahi for his professionalism during his time at the club and wished him every success as he embarks on the next stage of his career in Turkey.
