There has been talk that Leeds could not afford Wickham’s wages, but the recall has been made to expand Gus Poyet’s options with Sunderland struggling for a winning formula.
Sunderland’s strike options had realistically been down to just Jozy Altidore.
With Steven Fletcher struggling with injury, Fabio Borini unable to play against his parent club, and Nacho Scocco not fit, Altidore was the only option left to Poyet.
Wickham was brought to Sunderland in an £8m deal in the summer of 2011.
At the time, the teenager was rated as one of the hottest prospects in the game but these days he has hardly set the world alight.
He couldn't hold down a place under either Steve Bruce, Martin O’Neill, Paolo Di Canio or Poyet.
But ... Sunderland’s position is bordering on the desperate.