The ex-Sunderland star who is still a free agent after leaving Championship club this summer

Former Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn is still without a club after becoming a free agent over the summer.

The 34-year-old is a product of the Black Cats’ academy system, and made his first team debut on Wearside as a 17-year-old all the way back in 2007. After recording his professional bow in a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United, Waghorn was praised by boss Roy Keane, with the Irishman stating: "We have no doubts about him, he`s a talented kid. He`s strong, his touch is assured and we`re delighted with him. We hope he will have a long and successful career at Sunderland and if you are going to make your debut, why not against Manchester United?"

After loan spells with Charlton Athletic and Leicester City, Waghorn would eventually leave the Stadium of Light to join the Foxes on a permanent basis in 2010. From there, he has enjoyed a nomadic career in the Football League, representing the likes of Hull City, Millwall, Wigan Athletic, Ipswich Town, Coventry City, and Huddesfield Town.

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Waghorn also spent a two-year stint with Scottish giants Rangers, with his most recent club being Derby County, who he helped to promotion from League One last season. The experienced striker registered seven goals across 24 league outings last term as the Rams sealed a second-placed finish behind champions Portsmouth.

Having previously been on the books at Pride Park between 2018 and 2021, Waghorn confirmed his second departure in a statement back in May, writing: “From the moment I left, I knew I wanted to come back. When the opportunity came around it was a no-brainer.

“The only goal was to get the club back to the Championship. I’m delighted the club is in a better place and moving in the right direction. Personally I wish I could have given more but promotion was the main thing. Thank you to the fans. Your support towards me and my family has always been incredible. I wish all the lads nothing but success for the future. What a group. I loved every minute of it.”

At the time of writing, Waghorn is still without a club, nor has he given any indication that he intends to hang up his boots for good.