Free agent Benji Kimpioka is expected to return to Sunderland in the coming days to sign the contract the club offered him earlier this summer. The Sweden U21 international rejected the deal when his previous contract expired and returned to Sweden to weigh up his options. However, it appears any potential deals elsewhere have fallen through. According to Scott Wilson of The Northern Echo, the 20-year-old forward is expected back on Wearside soon.
Benji Kimpioka Close to Sunderland Return
Phil Parkinson Happy to Give Youngster a Clean Slate
Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson has been frustrated by the contract saga involving the club and Kimpioka. Due to the length of time talks have taken, the youngster has missed out on pre-season. He is now several weeks behind the rest of the squad in terms of fitness. However, Parkinson is willing to give him a chance to earn a place in the first-team squad by giving the forward a clean slate should he sign the contract the club have offered.
Parkinson said of the situation: “The last I heard on that was that Benji was close to agreeing his contract. It’s the same contract which has been on the table for a long time.”
“I’m not sure whether that’s been finalised in the last couple of days, but if it is, then he comes back and gets himself fit, and let’s see if he can push himself into the reckoning.”
“There’s no question that he will be given a chance. It’s frustrating that he’s a bit behind. He’s been working on his fitness back in Sweden, although until we get him over here, we won’t really be able to see where he is.”
Time for Benji Kimpioka to Concentrate on his Football
Benji Kimpioka is highly thought of at Sunderland. His pace and ability gives the forward a chance of succeeding. However, after a summer which has been disrupted by his contract ending and then stalling on a new deal to explore his options, Kimpioka’s progress has stalled. Phil Parkinson has stated that he be given a chance, but that will only come if he starts to concentrate on his game. His future as a first-team member at Sunderland is in his hands.
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