in april 2017, defoe hinted that he may leave sunderland, if the club were to be relegated at the end of the 2016–17 premier league. he was linked with a possible transfer to newcastle united, and potential returns to former clubs bournemouth and west ham united. sunderland's relegation was confirmed later that month. on 23 june, it was confirmed that defoe had signed a contract with bournemouth on a free transfer, leaving sunderland on 1 july. he had previously played for the club in the 2000–01 season, on loan from west ham united.