EXCLUSIVE: Sunderland turned down opportunity to secure early Amad Diallo return

Sunderland retain an interest in bringing Man Utd winger Amad Diallo back to Wearside, but have opted to wait instead.

Author:
Michael Graham
Publish date:
Sep 6, 2023 1:58 PM EDT

Amad Diallo was pushing to do his rehabilitation from injury at Sunderland rather than Manchester United, such is his desire to return to Wearside, Sunderland Nation can exclusively reveal.

The Ivorian enjoyed a stunning spell at Sunderland last season and there was a strong willingness on both sides for a second loan this campaign too.

Initially Manchester United wanted to take a good look at Amad’s progress over the summer, but those plans collapsed when he picked up an injury in preseason.

Amad, though, genuinely loved his time on Wearside, and he wanted to return to the club on loan this summer with the idea of him doing his rehab at Sunderland before returning to action in late October/early November.

Boss Tony Mowbray was very happy with that arrangement, especially since Man Utd were happy to cover the vast majority of the player’s wages.

That deal did not happen, though, because Sunderland instead decided to wait for Amad to complete his recovery at Man Utd before trying to do a deal in January as they were unwilling to take an injured player on loan.

Sunderland will now face a nervous wait to see if a deal can be done in the winter transfer window.

Amad has made it clear that Sunderland would be his preferred destination for another loan, although competition will be high in January and if the Black Cats are not in promotion contention he may find himself with more enticing options.

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