Newcastle United midfielder, Jack Colback might make a shock return to former club Sunderland in the January transfer window after failing to register a single senior team appearance in the current season under Rafael Benitez.
The 28-year-old made the switch from Sunderland to the Magpies in 2014 on a free transfer and has racked up 102 appearances in the last 3 seasons. He rejected the contract extension that was provided to him by Sunderland and decided to lace his boots up for the club he grew up supporting.
“I’m absolutely delighted. To come to the team I supported as a boy, my hometown team, will be really special for me,” said Colback.
“It was an opportunity I couldn’t let slip. If you asked fans around the world the one thing they’d like to do before they die, it would be to play for the team they support and I’ve got the chance to do that.
The move did not sit well with the Wearsiders who are not exactly thrilled to hear about this particular trade either. It is highly unlikely for players from either side to make a transfer to the other, but returning to the former has never happened.
Colback was allowed to leave in the summer transfer window and was linked to Wolves and Hull City but none of it materialised. However, Newcastle has already received an offer from Sunderland for a possible transfer. Judging by the reaction of the fans, Colback will have his work cut out for him in order to win them back.
The Black Cats are currently facing another relegation battle this season with just a point above Burton Albion at the bottom end of the table. They came away with a 1-0 win against Fulham last weekend at the Stadium of Light.
Although they will be looking to add more quality to the side in the upcoming transfer window, they might not have the financial resources to accommodate Colback’s wages which are rumoured to be around £40,000 per week.
The Newcastle born midfielder registered 3 goals and 7 assists in 135 appearances for Sunderland. He spent 2 of the seasons at the club away on loan to Ipswich Town. With just 1 England U-20 international cap, Colback’s career fell short of the quality he promised at a young age.
Newly appointed manager of Sunderland, Chris Coleman has been delegated the job of saving the season for the Rockerites and might just look to implement Colback immediately into the side.
