Jermain Defoe is a Bournemouth player (again).
17 years on from his season-long loan spell at the club as a teenager, the England international has re-joined the south coast club.
Defoe returned to the Premier League with Sunderland in January 2015 after a brief spell in Major League Soccer with Toronto. His goals for the Black Cats during the second half of the 2015/16 season were enough to them in the top flight.
However, despite scoring a further 15 Premier League goals last season – a tally that helped him earn a return to the England team – Sunderland finished the season bottom of the league and 16 points from safety. Their relegation to the Championship allowed the 34-year-old to activate a clause in his contract which allowed him to leave on a free.
A statement on Bournemouth’s website has confirmed that the striker has inked a three-year deal club at The Cherries, something which, given the player’s age, has come as a surprise to many.
https://twitter.com/_tstroth/status/880422524881907712
3 year contract for Defoe,didn't he retire to the US a couple of years ago?
— Flacko (@Seyyii_) June 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/AntCrick/status/880423128278630400
https://twitter.com/LRCBrowning/status/880422461195649024
3 cheers to Jermaine defoe agent for getting a 34 yr old a 3 year contract worth 60 grand a week 🍾🍾
— Scott MacDonald (@scottmac32) June 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/_liamlane/status/880421925318782978
Defoe getting a 3 year deal at 34 is madness👀
— Callum Watson (@CallumWatson_3) June 29, 2017
Market is crazy a 3 year deal basic wage of £65,000 a week for a 34 yr old. Prem gonna be on it's arse soon can't carry on like this #defoe
— Paul Edwards29 (@Pauleddy29) June 29, 2017
“It’s great to be back and I’m really looking forward to this challenge,” Defoe said.
“When the opportunity came about to return to AFC Bournemouth I just knew it was the right one.
“It was an easy decision, joining a top team with a top manager. It’s a great place to be.
“The Bournemouth fans know that every time I pull the shirt on I will give 100 per cent, and the one thing I can guarantee is goals.”
