Why Jermain Defoe could spearhead a Bournemouth Premier League attack
Published:
Jermain Defoe’s Sunderland career could be coming to a premature close, leaving the door open to a potential return to AFC Bournemouth.
The former West Ham and Tottenham star arrived at the Stadium of Light to much fanfare but a sublime derby-winning volley against Newcastle aside the diminutive forward has failed to shine.
Defoe has now scored just three goals in 13 appearances for the Black Cats since arriving from Toronto FC on a £70,000-per-week three and half-year deal.
Sources close to the club believe the Sunderland board may look to move the 32-year-old in the summer, with a view to bringing in fresh talent.
This could open the door for Cherries boss Eddie Howe to offer Defoe a return to the club where he first shone, should the Dean Court outfit complete a shock promotion to the top flight.
Defoe’s loan stint for Bournemouth from West Ham saw him become a firm favourite with the fans after he hit the ground running with a debut goal and went on a run of scoring in 10 consecutive games.
If Sunderland are looking to shift their highest paid player from the wage bill and Howe is looking for an experienced operator to partner the young and impressive Callum Wilson then Defoe could be the answer.
It is no secret that Defoe craved a move back to his native London before agreeing to join Sunderland and while Boscombe is still 100 miles from the capital it would allow the former England striker to move a least a little bit closer to home.
Should Sunderland decide to cut their losses, Bournemouth boss Howe could use the same trick as one of his predecessors – Harry Redknapp – by inviting Defoe to the picturesque Sandbanks area of nearby Poole in a bid to convince the striker to see out his career at the seaside.
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