Sunderland’s catch-22 with Didier Ndong removal

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Sunderland fans are finally enjoying watching their side again, as it looks like they will be in the League One promotion mix this season. The Black Cats are currently second in the league after a solid start, with just the 100 percent Peterborough United ahead of them.

A key reason behind their renewed success appears to be the solidity of the squad. New manager Jack Ross has had no trouble cutting players he feels are not helpful to the cause at the Stadium of Light.

But here lies the catch-22 situation, in particular with midfielder Didier Ndong.

It seemed Sunderland finally had a buyer for the player, who cost Sunderland a club record £13.6 million in 2016. Panathinaikos are reportedly keen on signing the player this summer.

Ndong never performed to the price-tag at Sunderland. He has since been AWOL from Sunderland training in an attempt to force a move.

According to iSports in Ndong’s native Gabon, that may have caused a problem. They claim the Greek side’s president was not pleased with the reports he heard regarding Ndong and decided it was best not to make a move.

Which is where Sunderland have a problem. Trying to find players so influential to their rotting core from the past few seasons is going to be tough. Especially in the case of Ndong, who was such an expensive acquisition.

Sunderland will just have to hope a team comes along that remembers the praise he was receiving back at Lorient.

If not, he may be a tough sale to pitch.