Jermaine Defoe rejoins Sunderland

Jermaine Defoe has re-joined Sunderland until the end of the 2021/22 season in a late Deadline Day move

Defoe arrives on a free transfer following his departure from Rangers, having helped the Scottish giants to secure a record-breaking 55th league title – the club’s first in a decade.

Only eight players have scored more PL goals than the 39-year-old, who has represented West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth in the top flight and netted over 300 senior goals during a glittering 23-year career.

Defoe first joined Sunderland in January 2015 when he signed from Toronto FC. He will fondly be remembered for his goals and his friendship with Bradley Lowery. In his first spell at the club, he netted 34 goals in 87 matches.

Following Sunderland’s relegation from the Premier League in 2017, Defoe departed for a return to Bournemouth.

Defoe told the club website: “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.”

Sitting in third place, Sunderland are without a manager after they sacked Lee Johnson on Sunday night following a 6-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers. The club are desperate to get out of League One and will be relying upon the England international to help them do so.