While Sunderland look to make big moves in the transfer market this month, one of their top talents has just extended his loan spell away from the club.
Sunderland are flying high around the top of the Championship table right now, and it is believed one or two shrewd signings in the January transfer window could make all the difference in the title race.
Regis Le Bris will have his sights firmly set on his first-team squad and the players at his disposal for the next few months, but Sunderland players out on loan are still very important, too.
So, the latest update on one Sunderland academy star comes as good news, as he will continue his development at his loan club until the end of the season.
Caden Kelly will stay at Darlington until the end of the season
As per an update from the club’s official website, the decision has been made to leave Caden Kelly at Darlington FC until the end of the current campaign.
The 21-year-old has been performing well with the National League North side in the first half of the season since joining in October, registering three goals in 14 appearances so far.
He will now get the chance to finish the season in style with Darlington, before returning to Sunderland in the summer.
Academy Manager, Robin Nicholls said: “It has been a really good period for Caden. He has produced some great performances so we are happy for him to extend his time and continue to contribute for Darlington.”
Next season may be make or break for Caden Kelly
By the ludicrous standards in the current Sunderland squad, 21-year-old Caden Kelly is getting pretty old and may well have missed his chance to breakthrough at the club.
With the likes of Jobe Bellingham (19) and Chris Rigg (17) already regulars in the first-team under Le Bris, and Kelly mixing it up four divisions below them, it’s hard to see him making the necessary steps to get to their level.
A lot will depend on what decision is made for Kelly come the summer. One would imagine a loan move to League One or League Two is on the cards, as a natural progression, but by that point, he will have almost certainly been left behind by the Black Cats.
Especially if they continue on their current trajectory, and indeed, if Sunderland remain on track for promotion, it’s hard to imagine a world where Kelly has a future on Wearside.