Sunderland Boss Unsure on Jayden Danns Return as Injury Persists | OneFootball

Jayden Danns’ Sunderland Struggles Raise Concerns Over Loan Strategy

Promising move stalls before it begins

There was quiet optimism when Liverpool sanctioned Jayden Danns’ loan switch to Sunderland in January. The Championship side, pressing for promotion, represented a fertile testing ground for a teenage forward tipped for big things. Yet, as the season approaches its defining weeks, the 19-year-old has yet to kick a ball for his temporary club.

The reason is as frustrating as it is familiar: the back injury that first surfaced during pre-season training at Liverpool has returned with a vengeance. A stress fracture diagnosed in August 2024 kept him sidelined for months. Though he briefly returned to action in November, it proved a false dawn.

During his Sunderland medical in February, the issue flared up again. Rather than abort the deal, both clubs pressed on—a decision that, in hindsight, looks naïve at best. Danns has remained at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre to recover, technically still on loan to Sunderland, though in practice unavailable to them.

Injury raises bigger questions

The move’s logic is now under scrutiny. Why approve a loan for a player who couldn’t pass his medical? Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman maintained confidence in the forward, describing Danns as “an extremely talented player who fits our profile.” But with no minutes on the pitch and uncertainty swirling, the gamble looks increasingly flawed.

Photo: @Jayden_Danns on X / Twitter

It is a painful blow for Danns, whose rise through the Liverpool ranks had been one of the more heartening stories of last year. His performance in domestic cup competitions earned him a Champions League debut against PSV Eindhoven—aged just 18 years and 259 days, making him the youngest player in Liverpool history to start a game in the competition.

What should have been a developmental crescendo has turned into prolonged silence. His rehabilitation, though no doubt managed carefully at Kirkby, isn’t replicating the competitive fire of real match experience—something this loan was designed to offer.

Sunderland thrive despite absence

To their credit, Sunderland have barely missed a beat. Manager Regis Le Bris has coaxed strong form from his side, who sit fourth in the Championship and look almost certain to make the play-offs.

Wilson Isidor’s 12 goals and the emergence of Eliezer Mayenda have filled the attacking void. The Black Cats have outscored promotion rivals Sheffield United and Burnley, all without Danns being available. This strong form has alleviated the pressure to bring him back quickly—though it now appears that hope has all but disappeared.

Le Bris offered a candid update when asked whether Danns could still play a part this season:

That comment, delivered to the Northern Echo, suggests even internal expectations are fading. With the Championship play-off final scheduled for 24 May, time is running out.

Uncertainty shadows what comes next

Danns’ future remains bright—Liverpool’s coaching staff rate him highly, and his temperament has impressed senior figures at the club. But injuries like this one can stunt development, and prolonged inactivity is a danger at such a formative stage.

Whether he will get another loan next season or remain at Anfield to continue training under Jürgen Klopp’s successor is uncertain. What is clear, though, is that this move was meant to accelerate his path—not pause it.

The story of Jayden Danns at Sunderland is less about missed games and more about missed momentum. A promising detour has turned into a cul-de-sac.