Former Middlesbrough and Sunderland striker poised for Championship comeback after overseas stint.

Former Sunderland and Middlesbrough attacker Sam Greenwood appears set for a return to English football after his spell in Poland, with Championship side Bristol City reportedly leading the race to secure his signature.

Greenwood has attracted interest from several clubs this summer, including Blackburn Rovers, whose manager Tony Mowbray identified the 24-year-old as a potential addition ahead of his first full campaign back at Ewood Park. Blackburn are understood to have submitted a £1 million offer to Polish club Pogon Szczecin earlier this week, but that proposal was rejected.

However, reports emerging from Poland now suggest Bristol City have moved into pole position to sign the forward. The Robins are believed to be at an advanced stage in negotiations, with Greenwood reportedly leaving Poland to travel to Ashton Gate for a medical examination as discussions progress toward a deal.

Former Middlesbrough and Sunderland forward Sam Greenwood (Image: Tom Banks)

The move would mark another chapter in a career that has already taken Greenwood through several clubs despite his relatively young age. Born in the North East, he began his journey with Sunderland before earning a move to Arsenal as a teenager. Although highly regarded during his time in the Gunners’ academy system, he never made a senior appearance for the London club.

In 2020, Greenwood joined Leeds United, where he continued his development and eventually broke into first-team football. While he showed flashes of promise at Elland Road, regular opportunities proved difficult to come by, leading to a series of loan moves designed to help him gain valuable experience.

One of those temporary spells came during the 2023/24 season when he joined Middlesbrough. Greenwood started brightly at the Riverside Stadium and initially looked capable of making a significant impact. His early performances generated optimism among supporters, but maintaining consistency became a challenge as the campaign progressed.

As a result, Middlesbrough ultimately decided against pursuing a permanent transfer once the loan agreement came to an end. Despite moments of quality, the club felt he had not done enough to secure a long-term future on Teesside.

The following season saw Greenwood head to Preston North End on another loan deal. Once again, he was given the opportunity to prove himself in the Championship, but the move did not result in a permanent switch. Although he gained further experience and valuable minutes, Preston chose not to pursue a long-term agreement after the loan concluded.

With Greenwood falling outside Daniel Farke’s plans at Leeds United, a permanent departure became increasingly likely. Last summer, he completed a move to Polish side Pogon Szczecin in a transfer reportedly worth around €4 million.

The switch represented a fresh challenge and an opportunity to rebuild momentum away from the intense scrutiny of English football. During his first season in Poland, Greenwood made 20 appearances across competitions. He managed to score three goals and contributed two assists, showing glimpses of the technical quality that had once made him one of the most highly rated young players in Sunderland’s academy.

Despite that contribution, it now appears his time in Poland will be relatively short-lived. Interest from Championship clubs has intensified in recent weeks, with teams believing Greenwood still possesses the potential to develop into a highly effective attacking player at second-tier level.

Wrexham were also reported to be monitoring the situation as they continue their ambitious recruitment drive. However, Bristol City now seem to have moved ahead of the competition and are closing in on an agreement that would bring Greenwood back to England.

If the deal is completed, Greenwood will have another opportunity to establish himself in the Championship and reignite a career that has shown promise at various stages. Bristol City will hope that the experience gained during his time abroad can help him mature into a more complete and consistent performer.

For Greenwood, a move to Ashton Gate could provide the platform he needs to finally settle at a club and fulfil the potential that has followed him throughout his career. After spells at Sunderland, Arsenal, Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Preston North End and Pogon Szczecin, the forward now looks poised to begin a new chapter with Bristol City as he seeks regular football and a chance to make a lasting impact in the Championship.