Nazariy Rusyn arrived at Sunderland as a very exciting signing in 2023. It was one that boasted huge potential with the Black Cats spending quite big. But it’s a signing that hasn’t worked out at all.
In 29 total Championship games for Sunderland, Nazariy Rusyn has scored just two goals, with one assist to his name as well.
The 26-year-old has really proved to be a flop for Kristjaan Speakman. Sunderland reportedly spent £2.5million on signing the Ukrainian from Zorya, making him a more expensive Sunderland signing than the likes of Romaine Mundle and even Dan Ballard.
Reports on Wednesday morning revealed that Rusyn was close to leaving Sunderland. It’s been widely reported and speculated that he’ll be moving on in January, but he’s actually rejected a chance to leave the Stadium of Light.
After it was revealed that Rusyn as close to an exit, it was then revealed that Rusyn rejected a loan move to Aberdeen for the remainder of the 2024/25 season, but that he is currently weighing up his options.
Marco Gabbiadini’s brutal verdict on Nazariy Rusyn amid Sunderland exit rumours
Speaking on Total Sport, former Sunderland man and now BBC pundit Marco Gabbiadini has given his verdict on Rusyn. And he’s said that he thinks the attacker simply lacks enough quality to cut it at Championship level.
Gabbiadini said: “He came on in games and tried to ruffle a few feathers, but I don’t think he quite has the class to play in the Championship. It’s a tough league and you’ve got to have something about you. I’m not sure if he’s quite got it at that level.”
So far in 2024/25, Rusyn has featured eight times in the Championship under Regis Le Bris. But the Sunderland boss is yet to start Rusyn in the league, with much better options on the flanks in names like Mundle, Tommy Watson, and Patrick Roberts.
After Nazariy Rusyn, another Sunderland man surely moves on
Rusyn isn’t the only player at Sunderland who lacks Championship quality and who is in need of a transfer. After Rusyn, it seems like Abdoullah Ba’s Sunderland exit will become the next priority for the Black Cats, along with new signings of course.
The Frenchman is also well down in the pecking order having not made a single Championship appearance all season, featuring just once in the Carabao Cup.
He and Rusyn look like the two who could leave Wearside before the February 3rd deadline. Adil Aouchiche may have played his way into another half-season at the club at least.