Ex-Hearts ace Kyle Lafferty now a free agent - Sunderland confirm release

The Northern Irishman spent the second half of last season at he Stadium of Light

Former Hearts ace Kyle Lafferty is now a free agent.

The Northern Ireland international’s departure from Sunderland has been confirmed by the League One club.

Lafferty joined the Black Cats in January on a deal until the end of the season when there was speculation of a possible Hearts return

Kyle Lafferty is now a free agent. Picture: SNS

The 32-year-old spoke of his desire to come back to Tynecastle after leaving Norwegian club Sarpsborg 08 at the start of 2020.

He netted 20 goals in his first spell with Hearts before leaving for Rangers in the summer of 2018.

“My first option would be Hearts and I’ve said previously that I’d jump at the chance to go back,” he said at the time. “I loved the time I had there, the fans were great with me and I have lots of friends there who I still keep in touch with.”

A transfer never materialised with Hearts eventually signing countryman Liam Boyce later in the window and Lafferty joining Sunderland days after noting his interest at coming back to Edinburgh.

Following the termination of the League One season in England, Sunderland and Lafferty’s campaign is now over.

The club issued a statement: “Sunderland AFC can confirm that Kyle Lafferty has left the club.

“After signing a short-term deal at the Stadium of Light in January, the 32-year-old striker went on to score two goals in 11 appearances for the Lads.

“Everyone at SAFC would like to wish Kyle the best of luck for the future.”

Lafferty now joins an increasing list of free agents looking for a new club.