 However, on 31 January 2010, Sunderland failed to sign him.Belgian side Club Brugge were also interested in the player and had, according to ENPPI, already made an offer.ENPPI accepted loan bids from both West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland for Elmohamady but while West Brom's offer was larger, Elmohamady chose to go to Sunderland, after being on trial.