Despite a disappointing time on Wearside, Sunderland’s Will Grigg is still a wanted man. The Northern Ireland international has struggled for form and goals since his big-money move from Wigan Athletic in January 2019. However, a loan spell at MK Dons for the second half of last season, where he scored eight goals, the same number he has scored for Sunderland in two years, appears to have rejuvenated the player and interest in his services.
MK Dons Hoping Sunderland’s Will Grigg Can Return
Russell Martin Wants Will Grigg Back at Club
At present, it appears that Will Grigg is not part of Lee Johnson’s plans. Being sent out on loan in January to League One rivals MK Dons suggests that his future may lie away from the Stadium of Light. Sunderland and Johnson are keen to overhaul the playing squad in an attempt to gain promotion back to the Championship. The new season will see the Black Cats spend their fourth season in League One.
Should Grigg leave, the transfer fee and the wages it would generate would be used to strengthen the squad. He should have no issue finding a permanent deal elsewhere.
MK Dons, where the striker has had two successful loan spells, the first being from Brentford in 2014/15, are keen for him to return ahead of next season, as are another of his former clubs in Wigan Athletic. Dons manager Russell Martin has admitted recently that he has hopes of Grigg returning. He said: “Griggy is back with Sunderland so it’s difficult to comment on really. We’d still like to do something with him.
“I’ve spoken to him numerous times over the summer to catch up and to see what’s going on. Invariably, he’ll have interest from elsewhere, but Griggy knows what we would like to do. He’s now got a situation with the club where they have to decide what to do with him. We’ll have to wait and see. Unfortunately, we’re not in control with that one.”
Future Uncertain for Sunderland’s Will Grigg
With Sunderland set to bring in several new faces, Will Grigg’s future at Sunderland appears more uncertain with each passing day. Speaking earlier this summer, the striker spoke to German publication Spox about a potential move, especially back to Wigan. He said: “I didn’t intend to move, but when Wigan accepted Sunderland’s offer, I agreed.
“Wigan will forever be my heart club. Maybe I’ll come back someday. I don’t know yet how things will continue in summer.”
Unsuccessful at Sunderland
To say Will Grigg has been disappointing at Sunderland would be an understatement. Signed in 2019 for an initial fee of £3 million with add-ons included, he was seen as the ideal striker to fire the Black Cats to promotion. However, the weight of expectation appeared to affect his form and he struggled to score regularly. Just eight goals in 60 games followed before leaving for MK Dons on loan last January.
This summer could be the right time and best for all concerned if Grigg moved on. He was a prolific goalscorer in League One prior to his move to Sunderland, and a move back to familiar surroundings in either MK Dons or Wigan could give him renewed confidence.
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