Alan Nixon has clarified the recent news about Alex Pritchard and his future with Sunderland.
Sunderland stated shortly before today’s Championship match against Stoke City that Pritchard will be unavailable.
Their statement indicated that Pritchard had rendered himself unavailable for selection, withdrawing from today’s team and declaring his wish to quit the club immediately.
The revelation comes amid a brewing drama involving the 30-year-old; Sunderland attempted to offload him in the summer, but a recent strong run of form in the team has given the club cause to extend his stay beyond this summer.
Nixon has now provided some insight on the most recent update.
Alan Nixon clarifies Sunderland’s offer to Alex Pritchard
Nixon revealed on Patreon that Pritchard’s ‘conflict’ with Sunderland is ‘about the duration of the term he has been offered’.
Simply put, Sunderland has offered Pritchard a one-year deal, as reported earlier this week, but he wants more.
Nixon adds that Pritchard has a longer contract offer from abroad and could sign a one-year agreement with Tony Mowbray at Birmingham City.
Finally, Pritchard states that he was pleased to stay at the Stadium of Light, but this current update indicates that Pritchard will leave the club during this month’s transfer window.
BLACK CATS’ VISION GETS IN THE WAY OF GENUINE PROGRESS.
Many have already debated this argument, and many will continue to do so, but Sunderland is being unduly ruthless in achieving their long-term vision for the club.
Again, they deserve credit for having a goal and working hard to realize it. However, reaching this conclusion with a key player in Pritchard is an indication of unhappiness within the club, and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Kristjaan Speakman, and co. may need to reconsider how they intend to carry the club ahead in the medium term.
Under-fire manager Michael Beale could really use Pritchard, but it appears that the club will be obliged to sell him cheaply before February 1st, when he is in some of his greatest form.
Replacing him would undoubtedly be difficult, and losing him will only deplete Sunderland’s attack, which is already struggling to score points.
