Sunderland are struggling to find a buyer for the exiled Jeremain Lens despite a stand-out loan spell at Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig.
When Sunderland splashed out £8 million on Dutch international winger Jeremain Lens in the summer of 2015, it appeared to be a statement of intent, as reported by the BBC.
After all, The Black Cats had finished 16th the season before and the jet-heeled Dinamo Kiev attacker had all the makings of a marquee signing capable of taking the club to the next level. Two years on, however, and it’s fair to say Lens makes even the signing of Rade Prica appear inspired.
At the time, Lens admitted that the prospect of reuniting with Dick Advocaat, his manager at both AZ Alkmaar and PSV, was a major reason behind his decision to put pen to paper at the Stadium of Light. Therefore, his resignation just two months into Lens’ debut season hardly made the adaptation easier.
Especially when the workaholic Sam Allardyce arrived in his place and took an immediate dislike to the enigmatic forward.
And it’s testament to the disastrous recruitment policy employed on Wearside that Lens is still contracted to the club. For how much longer, however, is anyone’s guess – despite a reputation-restoring loan spell at Fenerbahce in 2016/17.
The Sunderland Echo claim that Feyernoord do not have the funds to bring Lens back to Holland while Financial Fair Play restrictions make a permanent deal at Fenerbahce unlikely. Links with Napoli and Besiktas have come to nothing so far as Sunderland struggle to find a buyer.
Therefore, there’s a very real chance that Lens may be forced to return to the Stadium of Light this summer – and there may be an awkward atmosphere in the dressing room.
Especially after he claimed that he wanted Sunderland to be relegated as it would make it easier for him to secure a move elsewhere, The Sun reports.
“I do not want to talk about my contract, but many things will be easier if Sunderland drop down,” he said.
So far, Lens’ wish has only come halfway true. For everyone’s sake, a quick exit is advised.
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