Sunderland’s new signing Lewis Grabban can be the cataylst to a season that offers a immediate Premier League return.
Sky Sports have confirmed that striker Lewis Grabban has completed his move to Sunderland on a season-long loan from Bournemouth. Grabban returned to The Cherries in January 2016 for a fee of £8m (according to The Telegraph), but failed to make his mark upon coming back – not scoring a single goal in the Premier League for Eddie Howe’s side.
That didn’t stop the Black Cats turning to the forward to help them put together a promotion campaign next season, confirming the deal with this tweet.
The 29-year-old’s struggles at Bournemouth saw him become available, and Sunderland have pounced on the opportunity. The Black Cats had a disastrous season last time out, culminating in a 20th place finish and relegation to the second tier.
Simon Grayson has taken the reigns at The Stadium of Light following David Moyes’ departure and the former Leeds and Preston boss is looking for an immediate return to England’s top tier for his side. If Grabban can put the previous loan spell to Reading behind him and reclaim the form that has seen him score a combined total of 34 times in the Championship during the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons for Bournemouth and Norwich then Sunderland can mount a serious challenge.
The pacey forward offers a decent goal threat and will likely be his new team’s focal point in attack following Jermaine Defoe’s move in the other direction. A big fan favourite, Defoe’s shoes will be difficult to fill but Grabban has proven himself at this level and is definitely one to watch in the upcoming campaign.
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