EX Sunderland hero respond to joining Sunderland after formal talk with Regis Le Bris, he has made his decision and the fans are excited

Sunderland Eye Emotional Homecoming: Jermain Defoe in Talks to Return After Discussions with Régis Le Bris

Sunderland AFC is poised for a heartwarming reunion, with club icon Jermain Defoe engaged in advanced talks to rejoin the Black Cats in a coaching role, following direct conversations with head coach Régis Le Bris.

Since Le Bris took the reins in June 2024, the Frenchman has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Guiding Sunderland to promotion via the play-offs in his debut season, the team has now adapted impressively to Premier League life in 2025/26. Sitting comfortably mid-table ahead of the festive period, with standout performances from summer signings like captain Granit Xhaka, the Black Cats are exceeding expectations under Le Bris’ tactical acumen and youth-focused approach.Sources indicate that Le Bris personally initiated contact with Defoe, recognising the former striker’s potential to enhance the coaching setup. The 43-year-old England legend, who scored 37 goals in 100 appearances across two spells at the Stadium of Light, remains a firm fans’ favourite—famous for his clinical finishing and pivotal role in the 2015/16 Great Escape under Sam Allardyce.

Defoe, who has completed his coaching badges and gained experience at Tottenham’s academy before departing in 2024, has long expressed affection for Sunderland. He recently praised the club’s recruitment and even influenced Xhaka’s move to Wearside. Enthusiastic about the project, Defoe sees a return as an ideal step in his managerial ambitions.

The addition would provide invaluable mentorship for Sunderland’s young attackers, instilling the goalscoring instincts that made Defoe one of the Premier League’s most prolific marksmen. With the squad navigating AFCON absences, his experience could prove timely.

For supporters, Defoe’s potential return evokes memories of his derby heroics and enduring passion for the club. As Sunderland continue to build under Le Bris, reuniting with a modern legend aligns perfectly with embedding the club’s fighting spirit.An announcement is anticipated imminently, possibly before the busy Christmas schedule. Mackems will hope this sparks further momentum in an already promising campaign.