Sunderland striker Benji Kimpioka training with European side as contract stalemate continues

Sunderland forward Benji Kimpioka is training with Swedish side IK Sirius – having returned to his homeland in recent weeks
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The striker, who is out of contract at the Stadium of Light in the summer, returned to Sweden following the outbreak of COVID-19 – which saw the Black Cats forced to scrap their training plans.

And while back on home soil, Kimpioka has taken the chance to train with his former side, whom he left in 2016 to join Sunderland.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking to the Swedish media, IK Sirius director of football Ola Andersson said: “He’s starting up with us now and we haven’t set an end date.

Sunderland striker Benji KimpiokaSunderland striker Benji Kimpioka
Sunderland striker Benji Kimpioka

“It depends on how it looks in England and when they get their business started.”

It’s unlikely, though, that this temporary return to Sweden will be any more than that.

While Kimpioka is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal on Wearside, a return to Sirius is not believed to be under consideration by either party.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I don’t want to go into that,” said Andersson, when quizzed on that possibility.

“But he asked if he could train here now and he’s good player.”

Sunderland have long been in negotiations over a new deal with Kimpioka, who shot to prominence last season under Jack Ross with some impressive cameos in the Checkatrade Trophy.

He has scored just once in League One this term, however, with his appearances becoming more fleeting in recent weeks.