Sunderland Fan View: Khazri 'listening to offers' has no-one worried

Sadly, footballers like Whabi Khazri have become a familiar sight on Wearside. In recent years Sunderland has had an influx of players happy for their success to be judged on the money in their wallet rather than their achievement on the pitch. Now, after a string of nonchalant performances the Tunisian is the latest to declare a desire to leave the club stating to French site SFR, “I’m listening to offers.”

Too many have passed through the club lately using it only as a means to swell their bank balance rather than as an opportunity to perform. Yet, to be fair in Khazri’s case it’s hard to argue that he ever lacked quality or indeed that he didn’t actually showcase his talents, in the beginning at least.

Sam Allardyce brought the midfielder to Sunderland in January 2016 in order to help stave off relegation and to be fair, to that specific end he was just the ticket. After Big Sam’s departure Khazri seemed unable to recapture the same level of performance or frankly, the same level of commitment.

Having arrived back from the off season last year looking like he’d enjoyed his holiday a little too much, David Moyes understandably kept Khazri away from the starting eleven. It appeared a bizarre move to those who had only a few short months earlier witnessed him help drag the club over the finish line with a flourish.

How could the player who once performed so well, suddenly fall from grace so quickly? It seemed unlikely and instead Moyes became the scapegoat. Don’t get me wrong; I’m happy to blame the Scot when fault is there, but on this occasion Moyes was right.

I can’t imagine many fans will be too disheartened at the news as Khazri has simply not applied himself in recent times and that is unforgivable in my book. I’m sure I speak for most supporters when I say thanks for very little and don’t let the door hit you on your – it has to be said, at times fairly ample – frame on the way out.