Nazariy Rusyn’s decision to swap Zorya Luhansk for Sunderland in September 2023 hasn’t worked out well. The striker managed two goals and an assist from 22 matches in his debut season at the Stadium of Light.
The Ukraine international prefers to operate up front and can be used on the wings. He failed to score or register an assist from 10 matches in his second season.
Sunderland sent him on loan to Hajduk Split in January 2025. The Croatian club had an option to buy set at €2m. Hajduk Split found this to be too high and decided not to keep him.
Subsequently, the 27-year-old returned to Sunderland. Régis Le Bris left him out of his plans for this season resulting in the Black Cats sending him on loan to Arka Gdynia in September. The Ukraine international has one goal in 706 minutes from 13 matches for the Polish club.
Sportyvka now state FC Karpaty Lviv want to sign him in the winter market. That’s all the report has to say about their firm interest.
Le Bris’ side will have to first terminate his temporary stay in Poland for Karpaty Lviv to sign him. Sunderland will have a huge say on Rusyn’s potential exit in January.
Sunderland player hyped for attacking contribution
Metalist 1925 Kharkiv’s Denys Nahnoynyi played alongside the Sunderland man at Zorya Luhansk. Sport-Express have covered comments made by the 23-year-old on Rusyn.
“I can say that he is also a very good guy. This is his second attempt to play in Europe. Perhaps he will return to Ukraine and succeed on the third try,” he said.
“At Zorya, he proved himself to be a top player. He played on the left in attack, scored, ran, passed. He was capable of making many assists.”
Nahnoynyi shares his take on why his compatriot struggled at Sunderland.
“In England, he was initially placed up front, then on the wing, then back up front. Perhaps he was under too much pressure, which he couldn’t cope with. However, again, he may still have a third chance,” Nahnoynyi explained.
