Fans think it’s time for conversation about one Sunderland player after his performance against Blackburn Rovers F.C.

The fallout from Sunderland’s 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers at the Stadium of Light continues to ripple through Wearside, but one name has increasingly found itself at the centre of growing fan frustration: S. Abdul Samed. The Ghanaian midfielder’s underwhelming display on Saturday has sparked widespread criticism and renewed debate among supporters about his role in the team.

Abdul Samed, who arrived at Sunderland last summer with considerable hype after a string of strong performances in Ligue 1, has struggled to find consistent form in the Championship. While flashes of quality have occasionally reminded fans of his potential, the 25-year-old’s recent displays particularly the one against Blackburn have left many questioning whether he’s truly the midfield anchor Sunderland hoped for.

During the loss to Rovers, Abdul Samed was largely anonymous. His passing was wayward, his defensive positioning was questionable, and he failed to provide the composure or ball-winning presence the team desperately needed in the middle of the park. Blackburn dominated midfield transitions for large spells of the match, and Sunderland never truly looked in control.

It didn’t take long for fans to voice their concerns online.

“This isn’t Ligue 1 anymore. Championship football is a different animal, and Abdul Samed doesn’t seem cut out for it,” wrote one supporter on a popular Sunderland fan forum. Another added, “We need fighters in midfield. He looks lost out there no urgency, no grit.”

Some fans have gone further, calling for the club to bench him for the remainder of the season or even consider moving him on during the summer transfer window. “We’ve given him enough time to adapt,” one post read. “If he can’t handle Blackburn at home, how’s he going to fare in a promotion push next year?”

This is not the first time Abdul Samed has drawn criticism this season, but the intensity of the backlash appears to have reached a new level following Saturday’s result, especially given the already heated atmosphere surrounding manager Regis Le Bris’ post-match outburst and uncertain future.

“Abdul Samed’s performance was well below the level required. But I also think the structure around him isn’t helping. He’s not a bad player he’s just being asked to play a role he’s not suited for.”

Indeed, some supporters have defended the Ghanaian, suggesting that poor tactics and a lack of cohesion in the midfield setup have exposed him unfairly. They argue that without a reliable partner or a clear defensive structure, even talented players can struggle.

“Throwing Abdul Samed under the bus isn’t going to fix our problems,” tweeted one fan. “Yes, he was poor, but look at the bigger picture this is a team issue.”

With Sunderland’s season slipping into mediocrity and uncertainty surrounding both the manager and the club’s direction, scrutiny on individual performances is only intensifying. Abdul Samed, a player once touted as a future cornerstone of the side, now finds himself at a crossroads. The next few games could prove pivotal not only for his future at Sunderland, but for his standing among the fanbase.

Whether the club chooses to persist with him or look for alternatives this summer, one thing is clear: Sunderland supporters are no longer willing to ignore subpar performances, and Abdul Samed is now firmly in the spotlight.