Bournemouth
How Twitter reacted to confirmation of Jermain Defoe’s move from Sunderland to Bournemouth
After being in the pipe-line for just under a month now it was officially announced on Thursday afternoon that striker Jermain Defoe has re-joined former side Bournemouth on a free transfer.
BBC Sport reported that the 34-year-old – who had a clause in his Sunderland contract that would allow him to leave on a free should they get relegated – will join up with Eddie Howe for pre-season.
Speaking over the move, the veteran forward said:
“It’s great to be back. It was an easy decision, joining a top team with a top manager.
“It’s a special place and a team that’s done so well from where they’ve come from. A unique story.”
Defoe signed for Sunderland back in 2015 and was an integral part in their survival that season, scoring 15 goals, and he was once again the stand-out player despite the Black Cats finishing bottom of the table in the season just gone, scoring 15 times and earning himself an England call-up after four years away.
The England striker – who scored on his international return against Lithuania in March – will now team up with the side where he spent a season-long loan in 2000, finding the net 18 times for them.
It is thought by the Daily Mail that the three-year deal at the Vitality Stadium could cost Bournemouth a fee of around £20million, with a £65,000-per-week wage and a handsome sign-on fee.
Defoe himself took to social media to express his delight at the switch…
I do ??…#afcb? https://t.co/bWzAjO4i6X
— Jermain Defoe (@IAmJermainDefoe) June 29, 2017
And it’s fair to say Bournemouth fans were equally pleased with the news…
waited for years for this @IAmJermainDefoe welcome back and BANG EM IN #afcb
— Steve Borg (@steve_borg) June 29, 2017
What a superb signing @IAmJermainDefoe is for @afcbournemouth – another sign of the meteoric rise of the club and Eddie Howe's stock. pic.twitter.com/9UW2lMWYpQ
— Ian Hislam (@Ian_Hislam) June 29, 2017
We've got @IAmJermainDefoe he scored 10 in a row ?????? #afcb
— Simon Keeping (@Flakeycherry) June 29, 2017
With Sunderland fans a lot less so…
Gutted @IAmJermainDefoe has left #Safc
— Helen (@Helen_Kerry1) June 29, 2017
— Tom Burn (@thomasburn) June 29, 2017
Some Sunderland fans wondering if the day could get any worse after a proposed takeover fell through…
Do you fancy kicking me in the balls next?
— Peter Hewett (@WestSussexSAFC) June 29, 2017
Grayson in
Short in
Borini out
Defoe out
Ndong missingWHAT A GREAT DAY
— ?? (@iEddsyy) June 29, 2017
But it was fairly unanimous that there’s no bad blood after his time at the Stadium of Light…
@IAmJermainDefoe all the best for the next chapter fella, thanks for all you did at #SAFC proper footballer, proper bloke. ???
— weezkeez73 (@weezkeez73) June 29, 2017
Best of luck @IAmJermainDefoe always will be loved by Sunderland supporters. All the best???
— James Jobling (@Jobba1121) June 29, 2017
What do you think Bournemouth fans? Is Defoe a solid signing for next season? Let us know.
Featured Image: All rights reserved by Everton Football Club.
