Leon Dajaku is said to be close to a move to Croatian side Hajduk Split, as Sunderland look to offload the winger this summer. The former Germany U19 international has failed to make a significant impact since joining the Black Cats from Union Berlin, initially on a season-long loan deal, two years ago.
Dajaku played just under half of Sunderland's League One games, and scored four goals, as the club won promotion via the play-offs the season before last. Sunderland's promotion triggered a clause which converted Dajaku's loan move into a permanent switch last summer, but he went on to make just ten appearances in the Championship before drifting out of Tony Mowbray's plans, and in January the 22-year-old joined Swiss side St Gallen.
Dajaku made a strong start in Switzerland but then faded and will return to Sunderland ahead of the new season, although a better solution would be for him to find a new club as he is likely to be a fringe figure at best if he sees out the final year of his contract on Wearside. Croatian outlet dalmatinskiportal.hr says Dajaku is close to sealing a switch to Hajduk, which would suit all parties.
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There was a sign this week that he could be nearing the exit when new arrival from Birmingham City Jobe Bellingham was handed the number seven shirt previously worn by Dajaku. And with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman keen to bring in more new recruits to bolster the squad as Sunderland look to improve on last season's sixth-place finish, removing Dajaku from wage bill would free up cash.
Dajaku has made a total of 37 appearances in all competitions for Sunderland, scoring four goals, and last played for the club in mid-January.
