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Jayden Danns situation explained as striker joins Sunderland but returns to Liverpool

Liverpool's Jayden Danns has joined Sunderland on loan <i>(Image: Peter Byrne)</i>
Liverpool's Jayden Danns has joined Sunderland on loan (Image: Peter Byrne)

SUNDERLAND have completed the loan signing of Jayden Danns - but the striker has now returned to Liverpool for treatment on a back injury that was discovered during his medical.

The Black Cats and his parent club were both unaware of the problem and, after the discovery of the injury, were keen to come to an agreement that suited all parties.

It was too late in the day for Sunderland to turn their attention to any other strikers and the Black Cats had identified Danns as one of their leading targets early in the window. The reason they weren't able to land the teenager earlier in January was because Liverpool boss Arne Slot was adamant Danns wouldn't leave before last week's Champions League tie at PSV Eindhoven.

With Liverpool's passage already secured, Slot wanted to leave his big hitters at home and Danns started the game in the Netherlands.

His loan move was then sanctioned and the 19-year-old opted for Sunderland rather than Hull City or Blackburn.

But the back injury was then discovered during the medical process on Monday.

Danns has now returned to Liverpool for what Sunderland describe as a "period of rehabilitation". It's not clear at this stage how long he'll be out of action, but the Black Cats remain confident he can play a key role before the end of the season.

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Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “Jayden is an extremely talented player, who fits the profile we were searching for. His availability was always going to be determined late in the window due to Liverpool’s schedule and the demand for him was high, so we worked extremely hard to secure the player.

"It’s unfortunate that the medical process highlighted an issue that ultimately requires Jayden to take a period of rest. Despite this, he remained highly motivated to come to Sunderland and as such we agreed to collaborate with Liverpool to ensure there is an opportunity for him to join us at a later date. We remain excited by the prospect of working with him and look forward to supporting him throughout the upcoming period.”

Danns said: “This is my first loan move and a chance to prove myself, so I’m very appreciative of the opportunity and I’m grateful to the Club for placing their faith in me. I’ve done my research and the team is incredible, so this feels like the right step. I’m disappointed that I will be unable to do that straightaway, but I’m proud to have joined the club and I will work hard throughout this period to ensure I can return to action and play my part.”