How is Aiden O’Brien getting on since leaving Sunderland? | OneFootball

Aiden O’Brien swapped Sunderland for Portsmouth in January of 2022 after a season and a half on Wearside.

The 28-year-old showed his class in flashes with 17 goal contributions in 65 outings for the Black Cats but had concerningly fallen down the pecking order under Lee Johnson.

The Millwall academy graduate is currently in discussions with Pompey over a new contract, having only signed an initial six month deal on the South Coast.

O’Brien did set the world alight for Danny Cowley’s men, but still showed promise and his reputation alone should be enough for him to earn at least a one year deal at Fratton Park.

O’Brien hit the ground running with three goals in his first four appearances for Pompey, only one of which came as part of the starting XI, as Cowley’s men reignited their play-off push in February.

The Irishman ended the season with five goals and one assist for the club in 19 League One appearances, with only eight being from the start.

The 28-year-old mainly played as a central striker where he has been accustomed to deeper roles in the first half of his career, but definitely gave a good account of himself amongst fierce competition for places in the final third.

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A new contract seems more likely than not in the coming weeks, with Pompey aware that O’Brien could well move on to a direct rival in the third tier, if they are unable to tie him down.