The midfielder is set for an overseas move to Turkey just months after controversial Sunderland exit.
Sunderland suffered a disappointing season in their 2023/24 Championship campaign, one which seemingly derailed following the dismissal of Tony Mowbray, who was offered a job at Birmingham City after his sacking.
The Black Cats moved swiftly in removing Michael Beale from the manager role when it became evident that he was not the correct man to lead a promotion push with Sunderland after Mowbray, to which Mike Dodds took over for the rest of the season with very little success.
The vision of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman has certainly divided opinion during their tenures at the club, including the departure of a former fan favourite, who is now set to make a move to Turkey just five months after he left the Stadium of Light on controversial terms.
Former Sunderland midfielder Alex Pritchard set for Sivasspor
Alex Pritchard is set for a move to Turkey just five months after he joined former Black Cats boss Mowbray at Birmingham City, according to Mike McGrath.
The 31-year-old was handed just nine appearances for the Blues this season, however was instrumental for Sunderland as he tallied up six goal contributions in the first half of the season from midfield.
Pritchard left the Stadium of Light on sour terms after the Englishman was only offered a one-year extension.
As a result, a statement from the club was posted that read: “On Friday morning, Alex Pritchard informed the Club that he was no longer available for selection and he subsequently withdrew from today’s matchday squad.
“The midfielder also expressed his desire to leave SAFC with immediate effect.”
The domino effect of Alex Pritchard’s Sunderland departure last season
Sunderland and Pritchard had a fairly successful start to the 2023/24 Championship campaign, which brought out questioning as to why Mowbray was relieved of his duties despite a successful tenure.
Pritchard had significantly helped the Black Cats to 8th position by the end of January and they were certainly not out of the promotion push.
Ever since his departure to Birmingham City, Sunderland won just three league games in 18.
Pritchard was certainly crucial to the success of Sunderland and in contrast to their record after he left, it showed the severe lack of experience in the squad, which had an average age of just 23.
The Sunderland hierarchy must’ve learned a valuable lesson to not underestimate how significant removing a key figure in the dressing room can be and the value in a player with years of experience, something that will hopefully hold them in good stead for future decision making.
