Fenerbahce’s vice-president Mahmut Uslu believes Sunderland will keep Jeremain Lens when the Dutchman’s loan contract with Fenerbahce ends, with the information coming via Hurriyet and HaberTurk in Turkey.
Uslu spoke to press at the unveiling of Fenerbahce University and was asked about Lens: ”This is not certain. certainly it’ll be a tough battle. It’s hard to keep him. They (Sunderland) paid €18 million to get him so I don’t think they’ll let him leave for free (laughs).”
Lens recently said he wants to stay at Fenerbahce as he’s found his form again with the Turkish club ,but he also admitted it’s not only depending on him.
When asked last week about his situation, Lens said: ”I’m enjoying my time at Fenerbahce so far. I have couple of injuries and I have to be careful. But if I’m on the pitch I’ll always give my 100%. That’s my style. And I want to thank every Fenerbahce fan for the love they’ve shown me so far. I am enjoying it here. This is a really, really big club with passionate fans.
“It’s not only depending on me. There are other factors. Here at Fener, we’re challenging for trophies. No disrespect to them but this was not the case when I played for Sunderland. Every player wants to play for silverware. If you ask me if I want to stay at Fenerbahce; ‘100% Yes.’ But as I’ve said before there are other factors.”
David Moyes and Sunderland’s fans may not be so willing to take the player back, given he clearly isn’t keen on returning. However, Lens’ recent performances have been excellent and Sunderland fans may think he’ll be a big upgrade if they manage to stay in the Premier League this season.
Lens is currently injured but 2 goals and 5 assists in his first 7 games in the Turkish League, as well as scoring a brilliant free-kick against Manchester United in the Europa League, is a brilliant start to his Fenerbahce career.
Assuming Sunderland pull off another escape act, and David Moyes is still at the club, then the manager will have a big decision to make about Lens next summer.
