Once worth £80m: Sunderland could sign their new Defoe in “sensational” free agent – Report…

Once valued at £80m: Sunderland may acquire their new Defoe in a “sensational” free agent – Report

Sunderland has experienced a lengthy absence from the Premier League, but on August 15th, the Black Cats will finally return to the comforts of the top division.

West Ham United will be the first visitors to the Stadium of Light on the opening day, as Regis Le Bris’ squad hopes for a victory to quickly appease the fans on Wearside.

Strange events have unfolded on the thrilling opening day of England’s top league, and with the influx of notable signings, Sunderland is likely to feel optimistic about defeating the Hammers to kick off the season positively.

Throughout the season, new heroes may emerge as the Black Cats strive to remain in the Premier League, with many fresh faces at Sunderland eager to etch their names into the club’s hall of fame if they achieve survival, similar to Jermain Defoe, who showcased his talent over a century of appearances on Wearside.

Defoe’s remarkable goal-scoring at Sunderland

Sadly for the former Tottenham Hotspur forward, he faced relegation to the EFL with the Black Cats.

Nevertheless, he is still revered for his goal-scoring feats, overshadowing the unfortunate mark on his record.

During his 100 appearances for the club, Defoe netted an impressive 37 goals, with a significant portion—15 to be precise—scored in the 2015/16 season, as Sunderland narrowly retained their Premier League status. Without Defoe’s vital contributions, relegation would have come much sooner.

Sunderland will hope they are not lacking in the striker department as they ascend to the Premier League, with last season’s 13-goal hero Wilson Isidor yet to face the pressures of the English top tier.

With talented players from Spain like Gonzalo Garcia and Luis Suarez reportedly on their radar, Le Bris and his team might be better off acquiring an experienced forward who is well-versed in the Premier League to ensure they achieve safety at the very least.

This target is one they should actively pursue if they aim to find their next version of Defoe.

Sunderland could potentially sign the next Defoe.

While Sunderland fans are excited about their rapid summer acquisitions, there is no certainty that newcomers like Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki will adapt quickly to the high-pressure environment of the Premier League.

On the other hand, if he can overcome his persistent injury problems, Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be able to integrate into the Sunderland lineup and confidently lead the attack, having already made an impressive 239 appearances in the competitive league.

His experience in the division has caught the attention of clubs like Manchester United and Newcastle United, especially after he parted ways with his long-time Merseyside club this summer.

This means that Sunderland, who have been linked to the injury-prone striker according to a previous report from SportsBoom, will face stiff competition from higher-ranked teams to secure the former Toffees number nine.

Nevertheless, Sunderland has already demonstrated a level of courage in the fast-paced transfer market by outmaneuvering teams like Leeds to sign both Diarra and Sadiki.

While the Red Devils and the Magpies present enticing opportunities for Calvert-Lewin, he likely understands that he would receive more consistent playing time at the Stadium of Light.

When not hindered by frequent visits to the treatment room, Calvert-Lewin has proven throughout his extensive Premier League career to be a dependable goal scorer, netting 57 goals in 239 top-flight appearances.

At one point in 2020, amid interest from Manchester United, he was even valued at £80 million by the Toffees.

This extensive experience places him on the same level as the now-retired former Sunderland striker.

His broad knowledge of the challenging division, along with his goalscoring skills when healthy, makes him a Defoe-like figure, beyond just their mutual international connection to England.

Similar to his fellow countryman, who initially joined the Black Cats in 2015 from MLS team Toronto, there is a sense that Calvert-Lewin needs to rejuvenate his career, having netted only three league goals last season.

Last year, he was praised as “sensational” by football journalist Connor O’Neill during his standout performances for Everton.

This acquisition seems to be a clever move that could potentially alleviate Sunderland’s relegation woes.

Ultimately, it will be the responsibility of the former Sheffield United player to return to his injury-free form.

However, if he can regain his status as a “monster” in front of goal, as he was once described by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, he might just be the catalyst that helps the Black Cats avoid relegation, much like Defoe was capable of doing.