{"id":582134,"date":"2021-02-01T16:38:05","date_gmt":"2021-02-01T21:38:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=582134"},"modified":"2021-02-01T16:38:05","modified_gmt":"2021-02-01T21:38:05","slug":"danny-graham-leaves-sunderland-by-mutual-consent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2021\/02\/01\/danny-graham-leaves-sunderland-by-mutual-consent\/","title":{"rendered":"Danny Graham Leaves Sunderland by Mutual Consent"},"content":{"rendered":"

Striker Danny Graham<\/a> has left Sunderland<\/a> for a second time. The 35-year-old rejoined the Black Cats last summer on a free transfer after he left Blackburn Rovers<\/a>. Graham signed a 12-month deal but now the club have announced via their official website<\/a> that the striker had left the club with immediate effect.<\/p>\n

The former Watford<\/a> and Swansea City<\/a> forward made 17 appearances and scored just one goal – in the EFL Trophy – this season. His first spell at the club also produced one goal but in 42 games.<\/p>\n

Danny Graham Leaves Sunderland With Immediate Effect<\/h2>\n

Striker Wants First-Team Football<\/h3>\n

Following his exit, Danny Graham spoke<\/a> about how he wants first-team football at this stage of his career. Due to the fine form of fellow striker Charlie Wyke<\/a> and the lack of form and goalscoring ability which he displayed, the experienced frontman struggled for game time<\/p>\n

\u201cAt this point in my career, it is no secret that I want to be playing regular football, so I appreciate the understanding shown by the club in allowing me to pursue the opportunity to do this,” he said.<\/p>\n

“I would like to thank everyone at SAFC, especially my team-mates and the supporters, for their backing throughout my two spells at the Stadium of Light. I wish you all the very best for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Black Cats Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman added<\/a>: \u201cWe\u2019ve had some really pragmatic conversations with Danny and there was a mutual understanding that this was the best avenue to take considering our activity in the transfer window and his desire to be involved more than he has been. He\u2019s been a top professional and we wish him well for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Striker Was Surplus to Requirements Following Second Disappointing Spell at the Club<\/h3>\n

Striker Danny Graham had fallen down the pecking order to a point where he was surplus to requirements at the club. In-form Charlie Wyke has been in fine form in front of goal this season and head coach Lee Johnson completed the signing of striker Ross Stewart<\/a> on a permanent deal from Ross County yesterday. Will Grigg<\/a>, who could also depart this deadline day, was also ahead of Graham.<\/p>\n

With Aiden O’Brien<\/a> receiving more game time of late and the returning Lynden Gooch from injury who could play a more central role, Graham would have struggled for minutes.<\/p>\n

Following another spell at the Stadium of Light that will be best forgotten, the time was right for Danny Graham to leave. His departure will free up wages and also a vital space in the squad as the club and others like them feel the pressure of the salary cap rules.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>