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Sunderland announced via an official club statement on Wednesday that they have terminated Papy Djilobodji’s contract following his summer conduct, and now manager Jack Ross needs to make a controversial choice that will be the bravest of his reign at the Stadium of Light so far.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Black Cats revealed on Wednesday that they are getting rid of Djilobodji after he failed to secure the summer move away that he desired following the club’s relegation to League One, before returning to training at the start of this month out of shape.
The 29-year-old’s former teammate Didier Ndong found himself in a similar situation at the end of last season, but like Djilobodji he remained on Wearside after the transfer window had slammed shut at the end of August.
The Gabon international may well find himself in similar trouble soon given Sunderland have already shown they are willing to be ruthless, but they should instead reinstate the 24-year-old into their plans.
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Why should they keep Ndong?
Firstly, the Black Cats have sacrificed receiving a transfer fee for Djilobodji by terminating his contract, and while they won’t want players that don’t want to be with the League One outfit, it would be a big mistake to let Ndong go and receive no transfer fee again either.
Secondly, the 24-year-old has made a mistake but he is also undoubtedly a talented player who would make a huge impact for Sunderland at this level if he is in the right frame of mind – playing for his future should be motivation enough.
It certainly wouldn’t be a popular decision among the supporters and would be Ross’ bravest call since he took charge, but it could be one that pays off over the course of the next couple of months, and potentially even the rest of what is going to be a long and difficult campaign.
