Quartet join the Cats’ Academy
SUNDERLAND ADD STRENGTH TO THEIR DEVELOPMENT SQUAD AHEAD OF SEASON
SUNDERLAND have added a quartet of youngsters to their under21 development squad ahead of the new Premier League 2 campaign.
The Black Cats have had to reshape their squad given a change in the rules for the forthcoming season, which has seen Premier League 2 move from an under-23 to an under-21 competition.
As part of that revamp the club has recruited Max Thompson, Ben Crompton, Callum Wilson and Owen Robinson, to strengthen their squad.
Forward Thompson, 20, has joined from Burnley on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee, having been the Clarets’ top scorer in each of the last two seasons in Premier League 2.
He featured in 11 Premier League matchday squads for the Lancashire club and made his debut in the top flight in June 2020 against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Thompson said: “It feels a long time coming to sign here as I came close back in January.
“I would describe myself as a goalscorer and a direct player.
“I am eager to learn from all the coaching staff and make serious progress here.”
Centre-half Crompton,
18, has joined from League One Shrewsbury Town on a three-year deal, having spent two years with the Shrews after coming through Wolverhampton
Wa n d e r e r s ’ academy system.
He said: “I am happy to be at such a massive club and across these three years I am fully focused on breaking into the first team.
“I am a ball-playing centre-back and I like to think I am very vo c a l , commanding and have good leadership traits on and off the pitch.” Wilson has also arrived from Shrewsbury, in his case signing a two-year contract.
The 18-year-old can operate at centre-back and right-back, has featured twice for the Shrews’ firstteam in the EFL Trophy and has been part of the Northern Ireland under-19 setup.
He said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to sign for such a huge club.
“I am looking forward to getting fitter and stronger, learning my trade and progressing both here and with the national side.”
Attacking midfielder Robinson, 19, has arrived on a one-year contract from AFC Fylde.
He made six National League North appearances last season, having finished the previous season as top scorer for Fylde’s under-18 side.
Robinson, who came through the ranks at Fleetwood Town, said: “To be here is different class. This is huge for myself and my family.
“I feel last season playing senior football has stood me in good stead moving forward. I feel that given the opportunity I can put a marker down - I cannot wait to get to work here.”
The new arrivals are all expected to travel to Canada for the under21s’ forthcoming pre-season trip ahead of the new Premier League 2 campaign.
I feel that given the opportunity, I can really put a marker down. I cannot wait to get to work here. Owen Robinson