Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson has refused to rule out a return to the Black Cats for veteran striker Jermain Defoe following his release from Rangers this week.

The 39-year-old ended his three-year stay with the Scottish Premiership champions this week having only featured twice this season for the Gers.

Defoe wants to carry on playing though and a return to the Stadium of Light has been mooted by some, with the former England international spending three seasons with the Wearsiders between 2014 and 2017.

 

 

 

 

After scoring 37 goals in 93 appearances for Sunderland, Defoe left to join Bournemouth when the Black Cats were relegated to the Championship but he's still a favourite amongst fans, which has led to much hysteria surrounding a potential comeback.

And with Johnson short on attacking options right now thanks to an injury suffered by loanee Nathan Broadhead, he was reluctant to shut the door on any potential move for Defoe.

However Johnson admitted that 'a million and one things' would have to fall into place if a deal was to be done but that the club were 'aware' of Defoe's current situation as a free agent.

The Verdict

Even though he's nearing the age of 40, Defoe would still be an exciting signing for any League One team.

But it would just be a special moment for him to return to a club that still hold him in high regard for the goals he scored for them all those years ago.

It was only two seasons ago where Defoe at the age of 37 was scoring plenty for Rangers, bagging 17 goals in 32 appearances in the 2019-20 campaign.

Why can't he do that in League One in 2022? He may have lost the pace he once had but he should still have his predatory instincts from inside the box and it's something that Sunderland should definitely be pursuing.