Greenwood is Heed boy after leaving Black Cats
Gateshead have signed former Sunderland winger Rees Greenwood until the end of the season, subject to FA ratification.
The 21-year-old’s contract at the Stadium of Light was cancelled by mutual consent this week, and the National League oufit have wasted no time in snapping him up on a six-month contract.
Born in Winlaton, the 21-year-old wideman arrived on Wearside at the age of eight and went on to rise through the ranks at the Academy of Light, representing the club at every level over a 13-year spell.
The pacy winger usually operates on the left-flank but is also capable in the middle as a striker or No 10 if needed and Gateshead boss Steve Watson is hoping he can add goals and creativity to his side.
A regular for Sunderland’s under-23 side, Greenwood was named as the Premier League 2 Player of the Month in February 2016 before going on to earn an international cap with England’s under-20 side soon after.
Greenwood made his Premier League debut for the Wearsiders on the final day of the 2015/16 season, starting in a 2-2 draw against Watford at Vicarage Road.
His performances were rewarded with a new two-year deal with the Black Cats until the summer of 2018.
But after limited first-team opportunities, that deal was mutually cut short this week.
Greenwood will will wear the No 27 shirt at the International Stadium.