---
title: "Sunderland: Kevin Phillips discusses Bailey Wright’s potential return"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-kevin-phillips-bailey-wright-rumours/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "League One News"
published: "2020-07-31T16:10:27Z"
modified: "2020-07-31T16:10:27Z"
---

# Sunderland: Kevin Phillips discusses Bailey Wright’s potential return

**Former Sunderland striker [believes](https://www.footballinsider247.com/hes-a-leader-exclusive-phillips-reacts-as-international-agrees-two-year-sunderland-deal/) that the signing of Bailey Wright on a permanent deal is key for next season.**

[Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-sunderland-to-announce-new-signing-after-breakthrough-in-talks/) reported last week that a two-year deal had been agreed between the Black Cats and Wright, but no confirmation of the proposed transfer has followed.

The Australian-born defender became a free agent this summer after [seeing his contract](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/bailey-wright/profil/spieler/147419) come to an end with Championship side Bristol City.

Having moved to England in 2009 to join [Preston North End](https://web.archive.org/web/20100422005436/http://www.pnefc.net/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10362~2028252%2C00.html), the centre-back enjoyed early success in English football, gaining promotion with the Lilywhites from League One to the Championship before sealing at move to Ashton Gate.

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

With confirmation set to come from Sunderland over a deal for Wright, who made a [handful of appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/bailey-wright/profil/spieler/147419) for the Black Cats on loan last season, Phillips has discussed the importance of bringing in the defender.

*“He definitely gives them a strong chance of getting promoted next season,”* Phillips said.

*“I was very impressed when he came into the side. I was at the game when he got injured, at Oxford, and it was a big blow.*

*“If they could sign him he gives them leadership, both on and off the pitch, from what I can gather.*

*“We do not know what is going to happen over the next month regarding the ownership, transfers and if there is going to be a salary cap but if Sunderland want to bounce back, tying down a player like that will be crucial for them.”*

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

Signing Wright is a must for Sunderland and Parkinson, who already knows the defender’s capabilities at the Stadium of Light, but some fans may be hoping for a lot more signing considering they have lost many first team regulars this summer already ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/sunderland-afc/transfers/verein/289/plus/0?saison_id=2020&pos=&detailpos=&w_s=)).

The Black Cats are in need of a drastic changes, especially if they are to improve on an eighth-placed finish from last term, but signing Wright seems to be a step in the right direction.

***Do you think Wright will be a good signing for Sunderland? Let us know in the comments section below…***