Former Premier League player refuses to play for Sunderland and withdraws from squad
Sunderland has released a statement claiming that Alex Pritchard has refused to be selected for their Championship clash with Stoke. The midfielder wants greater security and has gone to extreme lengths to take up opportunities elsewhere. He is said to have received interest from Turkey and rival Championship clubs.
Sunderland announced on their official website that Pritchard informed the club he was no longer available for selection and he subsequently withdrew from the matchday squad. He expressed his desire to leave the club with immediate effect. The club will be making no further comment at this moment in time.
Abdoullah Ba has replaced Pritchard in the starting lineup, with Mason Burstow also coming in for Nazariy Rusyn. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman had confirmed that a new deal was offered to Pritchard, stating that he has been an integral part of their success and the decision to offer him an extension was made because of the situation and where his head was at. Pritchard remains in a contract stand-off with Sunderland and has taken the unusual approach of taking himself out of contention to play on Saturday, with his sights now firmly set on a January exit.
