Defoe Completes Sunderland Switch

Jermaine Defoe has completed his return to the Premier League with Sunderland Athletic.

Defoes has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Black Cats and his arrival at the Stadium of Light sees American striker Jozzy Altidore move in the direction of his former club Toronto FC.

“It is a great club and I’ve always enjoyed coming up here and playing against Sunderland because of the stadium and the supporters. It is a great place to play and I’m really looking forward to it,” he told the club’s official website.

Defoe Scores Against Norwegian Club Tromso. Image: Getty.
Defoe Scores Against Norwegian Club Tromso. Image: Getty.

Defoe’s 124 goals in 384 top-flight appearances with Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Portsmouth ranks 14th on the list of Premier League goalscorers.

Sunderland are 16th in the table, a point above the relegation zone after winning only three of their 21 league matches so far.

The 32-year-old is expected to help boost Sunderland’s attack, which has only managed 18 goals in 21 league matches this season.

“I know all about his attributes and his qualities first-hand and his exceptional goal-scoring record speaks for itself,” Sunderland manager Gustavo Poyet said. “He has something different, something special.”

Defoe moved to the Major League Soccer (MLS) in January 2014, joining the Canadian side and went on to score 11 goals in 16 games for the Reds.

The English striker is in contention for his Sunderland debut against his former club Spurs on Saturday.