Sunderland's Nazariy Rusyn “hasn’t got the class to play in the Championship” according to an Black Cats goal legend Marco Gabbiadini. Touted as an exciting signing in 2023, the 26-year-old has scored just two goals in 29 Championship appearances in a spell that hasn’t worked out.

And it seems the Ukrainian is about to be offloaded by the Wearsiders after reports circulated he is tipped to leave. Sunderland reportedly spent £2.5million on signing him from Zorya, making him a more expensive Sunderland signing than the likes of Romaine Mundle and even Dan Ballard.

It has also been revealed that Rusyn rejected a loan move to Aberdeen for the remainder of the 2024/25 season, but that he is currently weighing up his options. Speaking on Total Sport, former Sunderland star Gabbiadini has given his verdict on Rusyn. And he’s said that he thinks the forward simply lacks enough quality to cut it at Championship level.

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Gabbiadini said: “He came on in games and tried to ruffle a few feathers, but I don’t think he quite has the class to play in the Championship. It’s a tough league and you’ve got to have something about you. I’m not sure if he’s quite got it at that level.”

So far in 2024/25, Rusyn has featured eight times in the Championship under Regis Le Bris. But the Sunderland boss is yet to start Rusyn in the league, with much better options on the flanks with the likes of Mundle, Tommy Watson, and Patrick Roberts. Now Ian Poveda is back fit again too as another option.

Another player seemingly leaving Sunderland is Abdoullah Ba. The Frenchman is well down the pecking order and not having made a single Championship appearance all season.