In an attempt to secure their position in the Premier League eight years ago, Sunderland spared no expense, particularly when it came to their highest-paid player. However, the club has endured a rollercoaster ride over the past eight seasons, experiencing promotions and relegations that have seen them navigate through all three tiers of English football since their ten-year stint in the Premier League ended in 2017.
Following consecutive relegations, Sunderland found themselves competing in League One for four seasons before earning promotion back to the Championship through playoff success in 2022. These fluctuations in league status have naturally led to fluctuations in the club’s wage bill. Notably, over the past eight years, it’s a familiar face from the Premier League who has commanded the highest salary at Sunderland.
Jermain Defoe, a prolific striker, was entrusted with the task of keeping the team afloat in the top flight. Despite his substantial weekly wage, estimated at around £80,000, Defoe’s efforts were in vain as Sunderland succumbed to relegation in the 2016/17 season, marking the end of their decade-long tenure in the Premier League.
Jermain Defoe’s Sunderland weekly wage and contract information
Throughout his illustrious career, Defoe was renowned for his ability to find the back of the net consistently. His journey began at West Ham in 2000, where he quickly showcased his goal-scoring prowess, particularly during a prolific loan spell at AFC Bournemouth, where he notched an impressive 13 goals in his first 12 matches in the third tier.
Subsequently, his impressive performances earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2004, where he amassed over 100 goals across two separate spells, interrupted by a brief stint at Portsmouth from 2008 to 2009. During this time, he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most lethal strikers.
By the time Sunderland came calling, Defoe was making waves for Toronto FC in the MLS. However, he was enticed back to England by the prospect of aiding Sunderland’s battle for survival in the Premier League, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract in January 2015.
His impact was immediate, as he netted four crucial goals in 17 appearances, including a memorable volley against arch-rivals Newcastle United, endearing himself to the Sunderland faithful as the team narrowly avoided relegation.
Defoe’s heroics continued into the following season, where his 18 goals across all competitions played a pivotal role in Sunderland securing another 17th-placed finish.
| Jermain Defoe Sunderland statistics (both spells) | ||||
| Appearances | 100 | |||
| Goals | 37 | |||
| Goals/90 | 0.43 | |||
| Source: FBRef | ||||
However, despite his prolific form, Sunderland’s fortunes took a downturn in the subsequent campaign. Despite Defoe’s 15-goal contribution, the team finished bottom of the Premier League table, signaling the end of an era.
Following his departure from Sunderland, Defoe embarked on a journey that took him to Scotland with Rangers before returning to the Stadium of Light for a final stint in 2022. Despite featuring only seven more times for Sunderland, Defoe’s legacy as a goal-scoring icon was firmly cemented as he bid farewell to a remarkable career.