In an interview with talkSPORT on Wednesday morning, former Rangers striker Jermain Defoe confirmed that contact had been made by Sunderland for him to return to the club. Defoe is a huge fan-favourite on Wearside both on and off the pitch and should he return it would delight both the fans and the club.
Sunderland Make Contact With Striker Jermain Defoe Over Return
☎️ “My phone’s gone mad! If you’re phone’s ringing at 39 it’s a good thing!”
🔴 “I’ve got a few options! Obviously the Sunderland one’s well documented.”@IAmJermainDefoe admits #SAFC are one of the clubs interested in signing him! pic.twitter.com/je7ikvJmVQ
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) January 19, 2022
A Stunning Return to Sunderland Could Happen for Jermain Defoe
When it was announced that Jermain Defoe would continue to play following his exit from Rangers, the rumour mill as to where he would go next began hotting up. One club he was instantly linked to was Sunderland. The former England striker enjoyed two-and-a-half seasons at the Stadium of Light from January 2015 to the summer of 2017. In this time, he built a rapport with not only the club and its fans but everyone in the area. Should he return, he would be welcomed back with open arms.
Defoe Still Has the Ability to Fire Sunderland to Promotion
Despite being 39-years-old, Jermain Defoe still possesses the ability to put the ball in the net on a regular basis. It is of little secret that the Black Cats are desperate for promotion from League One and signing a player of Defoe’s ability and status in the game would make a huge statement of intent by Sunderland that they mean business.
Speaking to talkSPORT on Wednesday morning, Defoe said he still felt fit and able to perform, something which would delight Sunderland or any other club chasing his signature. He said “It’s just about being honest with yourself. I did a full pre-season and I thought ‘I feel good’. I didn’t pick up any niggles, I’ve been doing double sessions. So I’ve been doing the things I’ve always done.
“During the season, even when the new manager come in I remember training and thinking: ‘I feel really sharp, I’ve not really played to be honest’. I know training’s different to a match, but at the same time I felt sharp.”
Other League One Interest
Although a return to Sunderland would be a romantic way for Defoe to end his playing career, the news has sparked interest from several other League One clubs.
The Telegraph’s Jason Burt tweeted that Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic were also keen although the striker had already held talks with Oxford United.
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