Wahbi Khazri’s excellent international week is good news for Sunderland

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Last night saw incredible scenes as Tunisia defeated Costa Rica in Nice. Fans ran on to the pitch as World Cup fever hit hard for the Eagles of Carthage. It was Tunisia’s second win in a week after beating Iran and fans are excited Tunisia, who have England in their World Cup group, can cause a shock in Russia. The goalscorer of Tunisia’s winner in last night’s 1-0 triumph was Wahbi Khazri, of course very well known to Sunderland fans.

Khazri joined the Black Cats in January 2016 from Bordeaux, eventually helping the Wearside club to avoid relegation.

However, Khazri barely played in their relegation campaign and in August was loaned back to France. He joined Rennes on loan until the end of the season and has thrived back in the country of his birth.

The 27-year-old has 11 goals to his name in 25 appearances for the club and that form has now transcended into the Tunisian national team. He scored the winner v Costa Rica and hit was his effort that ricocheted off of Iran defender Milad Mohammadi for the winner last week.

Such form is good news for Sunderland. Even if the Black Cats pull off the great escape and remain in the Championship next season Khazri is unlikely to stick around.

Sunderland are currently under a great deal of financial strain, so selling the tunisian for a good fee is paramount in the summer.

Given his current form for club and country Sunderland can certainly get their hopes up. If he can impress in the World Cup against Belgium, England and Panama then that price-tag will only go even higher.

For Sunderland that will hopefully be the case. If Khazri is, as it seems, going to leave, then they will at least want to cash in. Hopefully his good form can help them do just that.