Sunderland’s leading goalscorer Jermain Defoe has signed a one-year contract extension with Sunderland, keeping him at the Stadium of Light until 2019.
The 33-year-old scored 18 goals in all competitions last season, proving to be the pivotal player in the relegation battle.
Speaking of the deal, Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce said: “Jermain is one of the greatest goal-scorers in the history of the Premier League and is a player that every manager would want to have in their team.
“He proved that beyond doubt last season by scoring 15 league goals, he is in fantastic physical condition and we are very pleased that we have been able to extend his stay with us.”
Ex-England international Defoe joined the Black Cats in January 2015 from MLS outfit Toronto. He joined in a swap deal for the flop Jozy Altidore and this proved to be Lee Congerton’s greatest piece of work as Sunderland’s Sporting Director.
Even with his age, Defoe has scored 22 goals in 53 appearances – the best Sunderland striker since Darren B£nt.
Unlike Bent, though, Defoe has captured the hearts of Sunderland fans rather than leaving them broken.
Read Sunderland looks back at some of Defoe’s greatest moments of his year-and-a-half Wearside career so far.
