Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has suggested that the Championship club is highly unlikely to re-sign Manchester United winger Amad in this summer's transfer window.
The 20-year-old, who will be hoping to be included in United's squad for their pre-season tour of the United States later this month, excelled on loan at the Stadium of Light last season, playing a key role in helping the Black Cats achieve a top-six finish. He scored 14 goals and registered four assists in 42 appearances in all competitions.
After an underwhelming stint at Rangers in the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, Amad made the most of his time on Wearside, producing a catalogue of dazzling performances, wowing Sunderland's supporters. They are understandably desperate for him to return to the club ahead of next season on another loan deal.
But even though United manager Erik ten Hag is yet to make a decision on the Ivorian's future, with him poised to be evaluated during pre-season, Speakman has all but conceded defeat in the Black Cats' hopes of signing him for a second time.
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"I'm so happy Amad sat in here at the end of the season with me and Tony [Mowbray] and had a vibrant smile on his face," said Speakman, as quoted by The Northern Echo. "He loved it. Naturally, that's what we want.
"Can Amad return to Sunderland? I don't think so. He should be playing in tier one, in England, La Liga, Bundesliga, wherever.
"That's the level of player he is. The staff here, the players and supporters have helped him get back on that journey and hopefully that will attract more players to want to come to Sunderland."
Amad, who scored a Goal of the Season contender, during Sunderland's 2-1 play-off semi-final first-leg win over Luton Town back in May, will be determined to make the most of pre-season at Old Trafford. United's first-team squad have seven friendlies pencilled in and they should provide the youngster with his fair share of opportunities to catch Ten Hag's eye.
Amad has made a total of nine first-team appearances for United so far, scoring one goal and registering one assist. He also scored in the Reds' 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano in their final pre-season friendly last summer.
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