In news that will delight fans on Wearside, Jermain Defoe returns to Sunderland. Legendary striker Jermain Defoe has made a sensational return to his former club Sunderland. The former England international has been a free agent since leaving Scottish giants Rangers earlier this month. The news on Defoe’s return had been gathering place throughout transfer deadline day but has been finally been confirmed.
The Black Cats had been looking to strengthen their attacking options all January with Ross Stewart the only senior forward at the club available for selection. Today, they strengthened, and with a player of high quality.
Jermain Defoe Returns to Sunderland for Second Spell With Black Cats
We are delighted to welcome Jermain Defoe back to the Stadium of Light on an initial contract until the end of the 2021-22 season! ✍️#SAFC | #DefoeHomecoming
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) February 1, 2022
Defoe Delighted to Be Back at Sunderland
Upon signing for Sunderland for a second time, Jermain Defoe couldn’t hide his delight. The fan-favourite told safc.com: “I can’t stop smiling because this is a special move for me for many reasons. I’ve had so many messages saying, ‘remember when you said you would come back’, as I said that I would one day and when I left, I wasn’t ready to leave. I have a special bond with the fans here and the club is in a fantastic position to get promoted. I want to be a part of more special times here and I’m looking forward to it.”
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “We all know how high highly regarded Jermain is amongst our fan base and within the wider community. He returns at a crucial time in our season, and we firmly believe that he can have a positive influence on and off the pitch. Jermain’s personality is infectious and his mindset is elite. He is a proven winner and a goalscorer and we are delighted to welcome him back to the Stadium of Light.”
Black Cats Beat off Stiff Competition to Resign Favourite
Sunderland beat off competition from several clubs to resign fan-favourite Jermain Defoe. The likes of League One rivals Charlton Athletic and Oxford United had been credited with an interest in the former Tottenham Hotspur striker, however, he has decided to return to the club where he is loved as equally off the pitch as he is on it.
Defoe originally signed for Sunderland during the 2015 transfer window in a deal that took Jozy Altidore to Toronto in a swap deal that delighted fans. He would go on to become a firm favourite of fans of the club due to his committed performances and goals, especially a stunning volley to beat fierce rivals Newcastle United. Off the pitch, he was also a favourite not just with Sunderland supporters but also fans of other clubs and non-football fans due to work in the community and especially his charity work. Few will forget the relationship he formed with young Bradley Lowery.
Defoe Returns to Sunderland and Has Chance to Fire Sunderland Back to the Championship
Sunderland, currently without a manager following the sacking of Lee Johnson, have still managed to bring in a player of Defoe’s stature. Despite being 39-years-old, Defoe still has the quality to terrorise League One defences and fire the Black Cats back into the Championship.
After the humiliation of the 6-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers and the departure of Lee Johnson, the signing of Defoe will be a huge boost to the club and their long-suffering fans.
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