Michael Beale is now looking at offering the instrumental Alex Pritchard a new contract at Sunderland.
Alex Pritchard’s love affair with Sunderland looked as though it was coming to an end in the summer after two successful years at the club.
The Black Cats made it clear that they wouldn’t stand in the way of him departing if a club did come in for him.
It was understood that the 30-year-old came close to departing the Stadium of Light, but after staying beyond the deadline – much to the delight of Tony Mowbray – he’s since demonstrated his importance to the side.
Over the festive period, he’s truly come into his own and sprinkled magic onto the pitch with one goal and three assists in his last six appearances.
Despite displaying excellent form currently, the transfer window always brings about speculation over a players future.
Given Pritchard sees his contract expire in June, many supporters will be wondering whether he’s going to be offered renewed terms, and Michael Beale has now supplied the answer to that question.
Michael Beale says Alex Pritchard is being offered a new contract
It’s vitally important that Sunderland conduct the correct business in this transfer window by bringing in some quality signings, but it’s equally paramount that the club tie down their assets to new deals.
Academy graduate Dan Neil was given a new three-year contract in March 2023, Jack Clarke has been offered a new deal but those negotiations have reached an impasse while it appears Pritchard is now being offered a new contract.
Speaking ahead of Saturday evening’s fixture against Ipswich Town, Beale was asked whether the attacking midfielder would be offered a new deal, and he replied: “Yeah, those things are always going on in the background.
“I think when there’s a change of manager, I think there’s always a period where people want to see how the new relationships form. Alex is someone where we’ve worked with people we know in the past, so I was well-versed on him coming into the club and I’ve followed his career.
“He’s someone who gets our football club, he’s been there in the promotion season, and since I’ve been in he missed the first couple of games with illness and then was excellent when he came on against Rotherham, scored a fantastic goal against Preston and then was the most likely player for us [to score] against Newcastle. He’s super-important to us, and those things [contract talks] will go on in the background.”
This is great news for Sunderland
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has a lot of decisions to make in this transfer window and one of those was the future of Pritchard.
It appears the ball is rolling on that front with contract talks going on in the background and this is massive news for Sunderland.
Since being given a regular run in the side, he has been ‘super important’ to their top six challenge – as stated by Beale – and produced some vital contributions.
In the 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion, in particular, he came off the bench to supply two inch-perfect assists and showcased his deadly delivery from set-pieces.
Now he’s cemented his place in the side and shown he has a lot to offer, it was imperative that discussions over giving him a deal commenced.
Not only does it settle the supporters, who would have been desperate to hear this news, but it also means that Pritchard can focus on his football knowing that his future at the club is being resolved.