Sunderland make surprise move to sign teenage winger

Trai Hume has been a huge success since joining Sunderland, and the Black Cats are trying to repeat the trick by raiding Northern Ireland again for teenage talent.

Sunderland have signed teenage winger Rhys Walsh from Glentoran following a successful trial, the Northern Irish club have confirmed.

The 17-year-old has shone for Glentoran after breaking into the first team last season, and he will now head to Sunderland in the hope of following in the footsteps of Trai Hume.

Hume has been a huge success on Wearside since joining from Linfield, and the capture of Walsh shows Sunderland are still keeping a close eye on the Northern Irish league for potential recruits.

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Walsh is a right-footed winger who likes to play on the left but will be very much seen as one for the future at Sunderland.

“The club is very pleased to announce that Rhys Walsh has signed for Sky Bet Championship club Sunderland,” the Northern Irish club said on their official website.

"Rhys (17) is the perfect example of a Glentoran Academy graduate, having joined the academy as a 10-year-old and developed through the ranks to make his first team debut last season in a 4-1 away win over Ards in the County Antrim Shield.

“Since then Rhys has made 8 appearances in total, most recently in last week’s Shield Final at Seaview.

Manager Warren Feeney added: “Obviously I have mixed feelings about losing Rhys as obviously he’s a player who I know would have gone on to do great things for Glentoran as he was already becoming a big favourite here..

“But, on the other hand, it’s a brilliant opportunity for Rhys as he’s joining a big club with a great record for developing young players and giving them their opportunity.

“Rhys is a very exciting player who can lift a game with his skill and directness, but he is also a strong and hard-working lad. I’m certain he’ll seize the opportunity and do very well there.”

Walsh has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Sunderland with Glentoran receiving an undisclosed fee. 

“Rhys is a player we have coveted for some time and he spent a period with us on trial earlier in 2023," Sunderland academy manager Robin Nicholls said. 

"He is an exciting forward, who can operate on either wing or play centrally, and he will join our Under-18 set-up for the remainder of the season. 

"We are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland and after gaining senior experience this season with Glentoran, we hope that he will be able to settle quickly and hit the ground running.”

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