---
title: "Sunderland: Grant Leadbitter returns to training ahead of new season"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-grant-leadbitter-returns-to-training/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "League One News"
published: "2020-07-30T12:10:10Z"
modified: "2020-07-30T12:10:10Z"
---

# Sunderland: Grant Leadbitter returns to training ahead of new season

**Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson has been [handed](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-afc-transfer-news-recap-moyes-eyes-ex-cats-striker-deal-parkinson-boosted-leadbitter-return-2926908) a boost ahead of next season with the return of Grant Leadbitter to training.**

The midfielder initially began his career with the Black Cats before spells with Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough.

Returning to the Stadium of Light in [January 2019](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47043747), the 34-year-old made 14 League One appearances during the 2019/20 season but was handed a spell of [compassionate leave](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/18216281.grant-leadbitter-given-compassionate-leave-sunderland/) in February due to personal reasons.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

With Parkinson keen to bounce back next term after the club’s second consecutive failure to gain promotion from League One, Leadbitter’s return could hand him an experienced option in midfield – he has racked up [533 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/grant-leadbitter/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/13796) in his senior career.

With the League One outfit back on the training ground recently, [£1.44m-rated](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/grant-leadbitter/profil/spieler/13796) Leadbitter was among the returnees, as reported by [Sunderland Echo](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-afc-transfer-news-live-parkinson-boosted-leadbitter-return-boro-eye-deal-could-weaken-black-cats-rivals-2926908), taking part in a session at the Academy of Light.

A handful of players took part in the session having passed the various pandemic tests and performed a light training session [before getting on the ball in small groups.](https://www.safc.com/news/club-news/2020/july/lads-report-for-pre-season)

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

This news should be a boost for Parkinson, who has a [very small squad](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/afc-sunderland/startseite/verein/289) to call upon at the present time.

Leadbitter offers a wealth of experience, having already played [158 times](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/grant-leadbitter/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/13796/verein/289) for Sunderland, and he could be used as a focal point and leader for next season.

***Do you think Leadbitter can play a big part in Sunderland’s 2020/21 season? Let us know in the comments section below…***