Sunderland midfielder Adil Aouchiche was widely tipped to leave the club during the summer transfer window, and again in the build up to January. But things have changed for the Frenchman.
Adil Aouchiche has started the last two games for Sunderland now. And he’s impressed too. Aouchiche was a bright spark in Sunderland’s 1-0 defeat against Stoke City and then put in another big shift in the New Year’s Day win against Sheffield United.
The 22-year-old has now played seven times in the Championship for Regis Le Bris’ side this season. But before the summer transfer window closed ahead of this season, it was claimed that Aouchiche was unhappy at Sunderland wanted to leave.
Then in the build up to this January transfer window, it was claimed that Sunderland were ready to sell Aouchiche, along with a number of other fringe players at the Stadium of Light, such as Nazariy Rusyn.
- READ MORE: Sunderland could land January ‘bargain’ for Premier League gem likened to £32m Newcastle United star
Phil Smith verdict on Adil Aouchiche’s Sunderland future
Now though, the tide has turned for Aouchiche. He’s proved to Le Bris that he can have an impact in the Championship and that he can be of benefit to this current team.
Speaking on On The Whistle, journalist Phil Smith shared his thoughts on Aouchiche’s future at the club. He said: “I think realistically, at the moment, Sunderland can’t afford to let Aouchiche go.
“They don’t have enough bodies. He’s got too important a role in the squad, whether that’s from the start or as an impact substitute right now.
“So I think it’s one that Sunderland just have to wait and see how the window develops… It might be that by the end of the transfer window, Sunderland have recruited more players in that position.”
Sunderland have left wingers Romaine Mundle and Tommy Watson returning in the coming weeks. When they do, Aouchiche may even struggle to make the bench, with Mundle and Watson by far the favoured two choices on the left.
Smith went on to add: “I would love to see Aouchiche stay. But I still think it’s potentially going to be the right thing to do, to let him go. Having said that, I don’t think there’s any need to rush into a decision.”
What Regis Le Bris has said about Adil Aouchiche’s future
It’s certainly a tricky one for Sunderland and Aouchiche to weigh up. Whilst he’s a good player and a useful one to have around, Aouchiche himself may still want an exit as he won’t play all that much when Mundle and Watson are fit.
Speaking at the end of December, Le Bris discussed Aouchiche’s future at Sunderland. He explained: “With Adil, I think it is too early to say what will happen in January. A season is full of many experiences.
“You can start with an idea but with the evolution of the season, you can change your assessment of the situation. It is probably too early to decide and we’ll see how we can build this second half of the season.”
Like Smith says, Aouchiche may be one for Sunderland to decide later on in the January transfer window, as and when players are back, and after any new signings have been made.