Sunderland are relentless in producing top young talent right now, and they’re close to tying one exciting player down to a new contract.
Under Regis Le Bris, we have seen Sunderland youngsters like Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham excel, while Tommy Watson emerged as another superstar just weeks ago.
But, beyond the main Sunderland squad, there are a number of academy talents ready to break through, too.
We know Le Bris wants to develop the club’s youngsters first and foremost, rather than signing new players, so it figures that Sunderland are closing in on a new contract for one of their brightest academy stars.
New deal for Harrison Jones is imminent, and so is a loan move
According to a report from the Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats are close to agreeing a new contract with Harrison Jones, the 19-year-old midfielder who has begun to find opportunities in the first-team this season.
Jones has been on the bench a number of times, made his debut in the League Cup, and is the captain of the Under-21 team.
Now, the club is hopeful they can tie up a new contract for Jones that will keep him on Wearside until 2026, with the option of a further year.
Despite his progress with the Sunderland academy team, Jones is expected to keep working very closely with Le Bris and the first-team squad over Christmas and into the New Year, at which point he is believed to be shipped out on loan to gain valuable experience.
- READ MORE: Regis Le Bris on what his ‘main focus’ for Sunderland is after ‘behind the scenes’ assessment
Sunderland will need Harrison Jones next season if they are still in the Championship
We tipped Jones to make his breakthrough this season, and there is still time for that to happen, whether it’s at the Stadium of Light or not.
If he is still at the club by January 11, 2025, we would expect Jones to be one of the young players Le Bris would use in the FA Cup game against Stoke City.
Looking more long-term, though, Jones could and should have a key role to play at the club, especially if Sunderland fail in their efforts to win promotion this season.
Should the Black Cats remain in the Championship next year, we would imagine one, or both, of Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg would end up moving on to bigger things.
In that case, having someone like Jones ready to step up to the first-team could save Sunderland millions of pounds, and continue their impressive tradition of promoting homegrown talent as a priority.