Ghanaian midfielder Salis Abdul Samed is determined to “help the team go as far as possible” after completing a season-long loan move to Sunderland from French Ligue 1 side RC Lens.
The 23-year-old midfielder was one of four new signings on deadline day and is already looking forward to the challenges ahead in the Sky Bet Championship. In an interview with safc.com, Abdul Samed expressed his excitement about joining Sunderland and his ambition to contribute to the team’s success.
“I’m very happy to be here,” Abdul Samed shared. “I spoke with the Head Coach about the project and how the supporters love the club, so it seemed like a good place for me to progress. I know the Head Coach well from his time at Lorient, and his best friend was my coach at RC Lens, so they had some discussions about me.”
Sunderland has started the season strong, but Abdul Samed knows the journey is long. “To win four games in a row is very difficult, but four games is not enough. We need to continue to work hard and get more wins,” he emphasized. “I’m a competitor and I love the competition for places—we work as a team and move forward together.”
Abdul Samed follows in the footsteps of fellow Ghanaians who have donned the Sunderland jersey, including John Mensah, Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, and Antoine Semenyo. Reflecting on this legacy, he mentioned, “I met Asamoah Gyan when I was away with the national team, and he talks to us and gives us advice. We sometimes talk on the phone. I don’t think he knows I’m here yet, but when he does, I’m sure he’ll be very happy.”
As Sunderland looks to secure promotion to the Premier League, Abdul Samed is poised to play a crucial role in the club’s campaign.
