Sunderland: Kristjaan Speakman reveals key reason behind Alex Pritchard’s exit
Speakman has spoken out about Pritchard’s controversial exit, following his move to Birmingham City.
Pritchard was a key player for the Black Cats for much of the 2023/24 season, registering one goal and five assists in 25 competitive appearances.
However, a new contract wasn’t on the table for the 30-year-old and he submitted a transfer request during the latter stages of the January transfer window.
It was previously reported that Birmingham City boss Tony Mowbray was prepared to wait until the summer to sign the experienced midfielder, when his contract expired.
But they made a move for him in the end, signing him for a fee believed to be in the region of £100,000.
He is just one of a number of older players to have left the Stadium of Light in the past couple of windows, with the Black Cats focusing on signing youngsters.
Speakman on Pritchard’s departure: “Alex probably made an incorrect decision”
Speakman believes Pritchard made an incorrect decision to try and force an exit – but believes the 30-year-old needed to be sold.
He said: “I think I’ve said in these conversations before, these guys are not robots. There’s loads of things that affect them. They’re just like you and I. We’ve got a home life, friends, family, thoughts, ambitions etc.
“Alex probably made an incorrect decision, which he probably, in reflection maybe thinks he shouldn’t have done. And look, we all make mistakes in life.
“We brought Alex in because we knew he could be a real compliment to what we were trying to achieve, and I think that was a justified decision.
