Sunderland AFC have opted out to sue Adam Johnson, 28, for a breach of contract after he pleaded guilty on one count of sexual activity with a child,15, and one charge of grooming. According to the Daily Mirror, the illegal fees Sunderland could be owed are believed to be up to one million pound.
The clubs choice comes in the aftermath of the wingers contract termination, with the club looking to move on swiftly from Johnson’s scandal. The former England international was coming to the end of his contract with Sunderland, with less than five months left on a four-year deal, therefore, it’s believed that The Black Cats recouped the £10million spent on Johnson in 2012 from Manchester City.
Reluctant to claim for the “unamortized portion” of the transfer fee as well as reputation damage, Sunderland look to be heavily invested in keeping sponsors happy and maintaining a respectable reputation in the footballing world. Further accountable calls for the player to be sued, including compensation for the wingers wages during his playing time whilst on trial, won’t be worth following up. Sunderland utilized Johnson sparingly, during a time which he delivered goals and assists throughout the new year. Johnson has denied two further charges of sexual activity with a girl under 16, whilst the trial continues at Bradford Crown Court, so will the football chants defaming the players name up and down the country.
