Dan Neil, Elliot Embleton and Anthony Patterson are three players in recent seasons who have broken through at Sunderland after coming through the Academy of Light.
England players Jordan Pickford and Jordan Henderson have also come up through Sunderland’s youth system, which is rated as one of the most productive in the country and has retained its category-one status for several years now, placing it amongst the country’s best.
But who are some of the best youngsters coming through and which youngsters already at the club could and would save and earn Sunderland millions in transfer fees over the coming years? Here, we take a look:
9. Finn Geragusian
Aged just 15 and playing well above his age group, Fin Geragusian was on the scoresheet as he came off the bench for Sunderland against Middlesbrough in the FA Youth Cup at the Stadium of Light recently and is certainly an exciting prospect. (Brilliant photo courtesy of Ben Cuthbertson) Photo: Ben Cuthbertson
10. Jayden Skeete
The 17-year-old defender has caught the eye of many at the Academy of Light in recent times and has featured regularly for Sunderland in the under-18 Premier League, FA Youth Cup and under-18 Premier League Cup. (Brilliant photo courtesy of Ben Cuthbertson) Photo: Ben Cuthbertson
11. Luke Bell
The 19-year-old has recently captained Sunderland against Middlesbrough in the FA Youth Cup, a game which the Black Cats won 5-2 at the Stadium of Light. The central defender has looked assured for some time now and it will be interesting to see how he develops. (Brilliant photo courtesy of Ben Cuthbertson) Photo: Ben Cuthbertson
12. Tom Watson
The 17-year-old winger, who has already played for Sunderland’s first team, is a seriously talented footballer and has drawn comparisons with Black Cats star Jack Clarke. Sunderland managed to persuade the youth prodigy to remain on Wearside and sign a new contract amid transfer interest from Rangers. (Brilliant photo courtesy of Ben Cuthbertson) Photo: Ben Cuthbertson