Nazariy Rusyn has explained why his Sunderland career came to an end after completing a permanent move to Karpaty Lviv.
The 27-year-old left the Black Cats on 1 July, ending a three-year spell that included loan moves to Hajduk Split and Arka Gdynia. Sunderland signed the Ukrainian forward from Zorya Luhansk in September 2023, but his opportunities became increasingly limited after Régis Le Bris took charge.
Rusyn has now admitted the Sunderland manager simply did not see a place for him in the team.
Nazariy Rusyn explains Sunderland struggles under Le Bris
Rusyn played just 164 minutes across 10 appearances under Le Bris before leaving on loan in January 2025.
Speaking to Ukrainian Football, the forward accepted the manager’s decision and explained why his situation changed.
“And Sunderland’s current coach simply didn’t see a place for me in the lineup. There’s nothing wrong with that, that’s just football.” — Nazariy Rusyn
Rusyn also pointed to positional changes and managerial instability as factors behind his difficult spell in England.
He had often played as a winger for Zorya but was used as a No.9 at Sunderland. The striker also worked under four different coaches during a single year, making it difficult to establish a consistent role.
In total, Rusyn played 1,039 minutes across 32 appearances for Sunderland, with 22 of those outings coming during his first season.
Karpaty Lviv move was months in the making
Rusyn’s move to Karpaty was not a sudden decision.
The Ukrainian club tried to sign him in January, but Arka Gdynia refused to release him from his loan. Contact continued, and Rusyn said he was already 90 per cent certain of the transfer three months before signing.
The forward had other options, including interest from another Polish club, but made returning to Ukraine his priority.
“I wasn’t interested in the other offers because I wanted to go home.” — Nazariy Rusyn
His decision brings an end to a challenging period abroad, although Rusyn does not regret testing himself in English football.
He admitted adapting without knowing the language was difficult but felt taking on the challenge was more important than remaining in Ukraine on potentially better financial terms.
Key Points
- Nazariy Rusyn completed a permanent move from Sunderland to Karpaty Lviv on 1 July.
- The forward played only 164 minutes under Black Cats manager Régis Le Bris.
- Rusyn said Le Bris simply did not see a place for him in the Sunderland team.
- Karpaty first tried to sign the 27-year-old in January, but Arka Gdynia blocked the move.
- Rusyn rejected other options because returning to Ukraine was his preferred choice.
What’s next?
Rusyn can now focus on rebuilding his career at Karpaty after struggling for regular football during his final years at Sunderland.
For the Black Cats, his permanent departure closes the chapter on a 2023 signing who never managed to establish a consistent role in England.
Can Rusyn rediscover his best form after returning to Ukrainian football?
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