Sunderland attacker Abdoullah Ba is leaving Wearside on deadline day. He’s sealing a temporary exit after a tough start to life under Regis Le Bris.
Abdoullah Ba has become the forgotten man at Sunderland. The Frenchman hasn’t made a single league appearance this season despite featuring 39 times in the 2023/24 Championship campaign.
Last season, Ba was a very divisive player among Sunderland fans. But he showed glimpses of potential and the arrival of fellow Frenchman Regis Le Bris was an opportunity for Ba to kick on.
Instead, Le Bris has completed frozen Ba out of the side. Now, he’s set to move on before the 11pm deadline.
Sunderland outcast Abdoullah Ba set for Ligue 2 loan
French outlet L’Equipe has now revealed that Ba is set to join Ligue 2 outfit Dunkerque on loan for the remainder of the season. The 21-year-old winger is returning to his homeland where he previously played for Le Havre.
As things stand, Dunkerque sit in 4th place of the Ligue 2 table. It’s a good chance for Ba to get time and experience with a promotion-chasing club, to then return to the Stadium of Light in the summer.
Ba remains under contract at Sunderland until 2027, following his move from Le Havre in 2022.
Kristjaan Speakman’s plan for Abdoullah Ba is already clear
Ba will join Adil Aouchiche in sealing a late loan exit from Sunderland in this transfer window.
Aouchiche has joined Portsmouth on loan and speaking about the move, Speakman said he’ll asses Aouchiche’s situation in the summer, after he’s had a chance to play some football.
Expect that to be largely the same for Ba. We’ve seen that he’s a player who can make things happen, though Le Bris clearly didn’t see much in training.
But the Sunderland boss will have a lot to think about in the summer if Ba can go out and impress with Dunkerque.