Sunderland have been criticised for their stance on Alex Pritchard this month.
Alex Pritchard looked set to leave Sunderland in the summer, with the midfielder struggling for minutes towards the end of Tony Mowbray’s time in charge.
However, the 30-year-old ended up staying on Wearside and eventually forced his way back into the picture following Michael Beale‘s appointment.
Pritchard now has the most assists in the Sunderland squad and looks to be a staple in the starting line-up once again, having started their last three games in the Championship.
Despite his recent impressive form, Pritchard’s future remains in doubt after entering the final six months of his contract.
Sunderland have now rejected a bid from Birmingham City for his signature, but there is still no indication of the club extending his stay at the Stadium of Light either.
Carlton Palmer has been left baffled by Sunderland’s stance on Pritchard and has claimed it ‘makes no sense whatsoever’.
Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said: “Sunderland have come out and made a statement that they have no intention of letting Alex Pritchard leave the club in the January transfer window.
“Sunderland have rejected a bid from Birmingham City and former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray.
“it is a strange situation; Sunderland have not offered him a new deal and it appears that they don’t intend to offer a new deal. He’s in the final six months of his contract, so he will leave the club for nothing in the summer.
“Pritchard himself would like to stay at Sunderland, but it doesn’t seem the club share the same sentiment. He’s playing regularly and play well, so it makes no sense whatsoever.
“You would think should the club receive a big enough offer this month, his exit could happen before the January transfer deadline.”
What are Sunderland thinking?
Sunderland’s stance on Alex Pritchard has been baffling for a while now.
The club were prepared to let him leave for free last summer even when he still had 12 months left on his deal, and still seem to be willing to let him leave even when he has been one of our best players.
I wouldn’t blame Pritchard for wanting to leave though, given how the club have treated him. It will be completely understandable if it is down to him, but it doesn’t even feel like Sunderland are bothered about trying to keep him.
It will be another huge mistake made by the board, and it will only hurt more if he reunites with Tony Mowbray and does brilliantly at Birmingham.