Lens opens up on Sunderland ‘problems’ ahead of exit

Matt Stead

Jeremain Lens fired a parting shot at Sunderland as he claimed he was set for a loan move to Turkish club Fenerbahce.

Lens joined Sunderland in an £8million transfer from Dinamo Kiev just over 12 months ago, but the Holland forward has made only 14 Premier League starts on Wearside.

And, ahead of what would be a reunion with his former Black Cats and PSV Eindhoven boss Dick Advocaat in Turkey, Lens said: “Sunderland would just love to get rid of me.

“I did not play, was not even on the bench.

“I just had a problem with the club. What? No idea.”

Lens, 28, revealed he would have a medical in Turkey on Tuesday ahead of joining Fenerbahce on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent deal.

The move would bring to an end an unhappy time in England for Lens, who found himself marginalised under Sam Allardyce following Advocaat’s departure and only scored four goals in 24 appearances.

Lens came off the bench in the 1-1 draw at Southampton on Saturday and provided the cross that led to Jermain Defoe’s goal, but he is yet to start a game under new Sunderland boss David Moyes.

“Tomorrow I will undergo the medical examination,” Lens was quoted as saying by the Sunderland Echo in an interview given to Fox Sports.

“I do not expect any problems. I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a nice transfer. Fenerbahce is a great club and a great challenge.

“I have a good relationship with Dick, but he also knows my qualities. It is not that he is doing me a favour.

“This is perhaps for the purpose of (playing for) Holland also again a good step.

“I go to Fenerbahce if the chance is to get more playing time.

“I did not find it strange that I was missing the last couple of times in the national squad. It was understandable because I was not playing.”

Sunderland declined to comment on Lens’ remarks.