Defoe move may look expensive, but it could save Sunderland millions

Paying a 32-year-old a reported £70,000 a week may seem like a move of desperation, but that’s what Sunderland are, desperate.

But while the signing of Jermain Defoe from Toronto FC is an expensive risk to take, it could be a very wise move indeed.

First and foremost, the cost of the deal will be offset by Jozy Altidore moving in the opposite direction.

The absence of the flop of all Premier League flops will not hurt the Black Cats as they continue their search for goals, but the addition of Defoe will only have a positive impact.

And while a move to the MLS may have been seen as one last pay-day for the former Tottenham man, he didn’t just labour about in his spell at the Canadian club (despite his injury in the later part of his time there).

Racking up 11 goals in 19 appearances for Greg Vanney’s men he showed the finisher’s instinct in him has not disappeared.

The video below highlights, no matter what you think of the quality of the MLS, that the 55-capped former England international will still be able to trouble many Premier League defences.

Furthermore, while the reported £14m over three years sounds a lot when it is sounded out in one lump sum, that fee for a proven Premier League goalscorer looks a worthy investment.

Compare it to other deals that Premier League clubs have struck this season and he could turn out a relative bargain.

Shane Long for example, cost Southampton £12m to lure him from Hull, add in his reported £40,000 a week salary over three years and you are looking at a total spend of over £19m.

That’s a lot of money for a player who has scored just twice in 19 appearances since.

Mario Balotelli’s move to Liverpool cost them in the region of £15m before any wages were added on and we all know how that one is going!

There are plenty of other moves that, in total, will have cost clubs more than this deal will cost Sunderland that have not worked out.

And with the Stadium of Light outfit boasting (or not so much) the second-lowest goals tally in the Premier League this campaign, more attacking threat looks vital if they are to stave off relegation.

Analysis showed that the cost of falling into the second tier can stand to cost sides at least £20m in income, so splashing the cash now looks a risk worth taking.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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