Grant Leadbitter is reportedly set to join League One Sunderland after playing just two Championship games for Boro this season.
Grant Leadbitter looks set to leave Middlesbrough for bitter local rivals Sunderland before the end of the month. But don’t make the mistake in thinking that his departure won’t be met by goodwill from each and every Boro supporter.
According to Sky Sports, Leadbitter is in talks over an emotional return to the Stadium of Light and is willing to accept a substantial pay cut to join the club where he started his professional career.
Having turned 33 earlier in January, the veteran midfielder has barely featured for Middlesbrough this season with his two Championship appearances coming all the way back in August.
But he has done more than enough in seven years at the Riverside to go down as a modern-day club legend.
A free transfer signing from Ipswich Town in 2012, Leadbitter has made over 250 appearances for Boro and was the inspirational captain of a team who earned promotion to the Premier League three years ago.
He never let his standards slip and has remained a popular, committed member of the squad even after falling out of favour since the arrival of Tony Pulis.
So the message from supporters is one of good luck rather than good riddance.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
