NAZARIY Rusyn wants to stay at Sunderland and make a success of his time on Wearside, according to fresh reports coming out of Ukraine.
Over the weekend, there were rumors circulating that major Ukrainian teams, notably Karpaty, a newcomer to the Premier League, intended to send Rusyn back to his native country and were considering taking him on loan with the intention of turning the arrangement into a long-term agreement.
However, recent reports from Ukraine have refuted that theory, stating that Rusyn and the affiliated clubs have not communicated. Rusyn is reportedly eager to stay at Sunderland because he is dedicated to the Black Cats and wants to improve following a difficult first season on Wearside.
Rusyn joined Sunderland from Zorya Luhansk last summer, although he only made nine starts in the Championship and scored two goals. However, Mike Dodds, Michael Beale, and Tony Mowbray all urged patience with the 25-year-old, who had trouble adjusting to life in the UK and needed some time to settle both on and off the field.
Rusyn missed the last nine games of the season with a calf injury, but Dodds said the forward is starting to feel at home on Wearside and believes that will show next season.
“I do think from the start of next season, pre-season is going to be really important for him because I think those factors we’ve been talking about have been taken away really,” said Dodds recently.
“His family are here with him, his language has got a lot better, he’s a lot more settled in the region and has got a place (for his home). So, there’ll be a little more pressure on him, but I think we’ll see a better reflection of him as a player.”
