Sunderland confirm first professional contract for exciting young winger

The youngster has been part of the club’s academy for the best part of a decade and enjoyed a stellar campaign last time out.

Though technically still an U18 player, he was a regular in the U23 side that stormed to the play-off final in Premier League 2 Division 2.

Taylor is a left-sided player by nature, but can play off either wing and was a key part of Elliot Dickman’s attacking output last time out.

Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said Taylor has ‘a really bright future’.

"Ellis has a really bright future and we are delighted to have agreed a long-term contract with him,” he said.

"He’s a local boy who’s been at the club for nearly 10 years and he represents what we are trying to achieve.”

Taylor said it was a ‘huge moment’.

"It’s a huge moment to sign my first professional contract, especially having been here for so many years,” he said.

"I’ve been at Sunderland since I was nine years old, so it’s really special and tops off what I feel has been a really good season for me. Elliott [Dickman] and Proc [Michael Proctor] have shown a lot of faith in me and I’d really like to thank them for the opportunity. Now, I want to keep learning and keep developing.”

Taylor made 17 appearances for the U23s last season, scoring once, and also produced four goals in his eight games for the U18 side.

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