27 January 2024 , 20:09
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Sunderland star Alex Pritchard refused to play against Stoke on Saturday as he looks to quit the club.
The former Tottenham midfielder was set to be included in the Black Cats’ side for their latest Championship fixture on Saturday, having been a key man this term. However, the club announced in the build up to kickoff that he withdrew from selection.
A statement ahead of the clash with Stoke read: "On Friday morning, Alex Pritchard informed the club that he was no longer available for selection and he subsequently withdrew from today’s match day squad.
"The midfielder also expressed his desire to leave SAFC with immediate effect. The club will be making no further comment at this moment in time."
Pritchard, 30, reportedly made the decision amid an ongoing row over his contract. The midfielder sees his current deal expire at the end of the campaign.
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According to The Sun, he wants a new two-year deal at the Stadium of Light but Sunderland are only offering him a season’s extension. Birmingham could now make a move, while clubs abroad are also willing to offer him a deal with greater security.
Sunderland boss Michael Beale was asked about the ongoing situation and was keen to keep any concerns under wraps. Speaking after his side’s 3-1 victory, he said: “It’s been ongoing to be honest, not just the last 24 hours.
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“He’s a boy who is coming up to the end of his contract and he’s been offered one, I think mentally it has got a bit much for him. Let’s keep the focus on the players who played today.”
Sunderland did not appear to miss Pritchard much as they halted a three-game losing streak in all competitions. Mason Burstow, Abdoullah Ba and Pierre Ekwah scored, only to Jenson Seelt for score an own goal to take the shine off the scoreline.
Pritchard joined Sunderland from Huddersfield in 2021 and helped the side to promotion from League One that season. In all, he has made 115 appearances for the club and scored nine goals.
He can also list Peterborough, Swindon, West Brom and Norwich among his previous employers after starting his career within Spurs’ youth ranks. Black Cats head coach Beale added: “I’m delighted with the players and for them. The work ethic of the boys and togetherness behind the scenes, it’s been a difficult few weeks with the last two or three results, but it was a really good win today.
“It’s been an interesting start to (my time at) the club, hasn’t it? There’s a lot of emotion. I’m all in for the club. I want to be here for the long term and it’s important that my team and our team go on the pitch and put in performances that fans can get behind. Today they did. It’s one performance, we want to build on it.”