Sunderland striker Ahmed Abdullahi will be allowed to leave this summer with a host of League One clubs interested, as per TEAMtalk.
Sunderland bid farewell to the EFL earlier this summer as they won promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.
However, following their rise, they have a whole host of players who could benefit from drops back into the Football League, and some of those on the fringes are not short of interest.
SAFC - Sunderland captain Dan Neil lifts play-off final trophy
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Among those wanted is Nigerian striker Ahmed Abdullahi, and the Black Cats are willing to let him go.
Sunderland will look to offload Abdullahi in an attempt to trim down the fringes of their squad, and plenty of League One interest has been noted in a report from TEAMtalk.
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The 21-year-old has failed to make a senior appearance for the Black Cats, though did impress when at Gent before being bought for £3m by Sunderland last summer.
League One transfer could be perfect for Sunderland man Ahmed Abdullahi
Sunderland can be at ease with the idea that sending a promising talent to a competitive League One side is a smart move.
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The third-tier represents a step in the right direction for Abdullahi as experience is vital to succeed in the senior game. He was a star with Gent’s youth setup before moving to Wearside and will be eager to prove he can make the step up.
Ahmed Abdullahi’s Jong KAA Genk stats – via Transfermarkt
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Such prolific goal scoring form cannot be ignored, regardless of the level of football.
Following a lengthy spell on the sidelines Abdullahi did manage his first Sunderland start in their academy setup against West Ham in the Premier League 2.
Yet, he still has to prove that this form can be translated into the professional game, and a League One stint will offer him such a chance.
Who in League One needs a striker?
PAFC - Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley
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For Sunderland striker Abdullahi to have a successful loan spell, it has to be in a side that he will be able to have consistent game time. Therefore, a squad lacking many option at the top end of the field will be useful for Abdullahi’s development.
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Current League One strugglers Plymouth Argyle currently sit on zero points after four games in League One and are in dire need of a striker. Owen Oseni has shown signs of promise but he and Aribim Pepple are not viewed as players to lead the line as Ryan Hardie’s replacement.
For most League One clubs, a quality goal scorer is a luxury. Therefore, it shouldn’t be too difficult for Sunderland to find a suitable move in England’s third tier for Abdullahi to properly begin his professional career.