Norwich City outline their plans for Bali Mumba as talented youngster leaves Sunderland

Bali Mumba says he is hoping to replicate the success of Norwich City full-backs Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis.
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One of Sunderland’s most talented academy products in recent years is set to be part of Daniel Farke’s senior squad next season as he pushes for first-team action.

Aarons and Lewis were part of the youthful squad that stunned the Championship in the 2018/19 campaign, providing a constant attacking threat in their title win.

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The Canaries confirmed the signing of the talented 18-year-old on Monday afternoon.

Bali Mumba celebrates a goal while on loan at South Shields last seasonBali Mumba celebrates a goal while on loan at South Shields last season
Bali Mumba celebrates a goal while on loan at South Shields last season

Having broken through into the Sunderland set-up as a central midfielder, Mumba has mostly played at right-back in the U23 side on Wearside last season.

His sale is expected to land Sunderland around £350,000 initially, though a number of add-ons could see the deal rise above £750,000.

A number of senior club figures have suggested that Mumba’s contractual status was behind his sale.

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The youngster had one year to run on his first professional deal.

"It feels very good [to join Norwich] and I’m raring to go,” Mumba said.

The club is big with a good history behind it and I’m looking forward to getting started so I can show everyone around the club what I can do.

“Fans can expect hard work and 100 percent in all that I do. I believe I’m a positive person with a good energy.

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“I’ve watched Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis a lot. I’ve seen how they’ve progressed through the system and have continued to develop and that’s exactly what I’m hoping to replicate.”

Farke said they would not put ‘too much pressure’ on the former England youth international.

“We’re really happy we’ve been able to sign Bali,” Farke said.

"He’s an exciting young talent.

“It’s important not to put too much pressure on his shoulders, but he’s the type of full-back we want, driving forward and being brave, but also aggressive against the ball and with good endurance.

“He’s a great lad and full of potential. We’ll give him time to improve and we think we’ve got a really exciting talent.”