Jenson Jones was included in Sunderland’s squad for the derby at Newcastle United earlier this season

Sunderland have triggered a one-year option in Jenson Jones’ contract, The Echo understands.

The highly-rated defender signed his first professional deal with the Black Cats in July 2024, committing his future to the club until the summer of 2026. That agreement included the option of a further 12 months, which Sunderland have now taken up.

Jones is therefore set to remain at the Academy of Light until at least the summer of 2027 as the club continue to work through several academy contract decisions. The 19-year-old joined the club aged of six and has progressed through the age groups, becoming a regular at U21 level. He is viewed as a versatile option, capable of playing at full-back or in central midfield, and has also had increasing exposure to the first-team environment under Régis Le Bris.

Jones featured for Le Bris during pre-season and made his senior competitive debut at the start of the campaign, playing 45 minutes in Sunderland’s EFL Cup tie against Huddersfield Town. He has since been named on the bench seven times in the Premier League and twice in the FA Cup, underlining his growing involvement around the senior squad.

One of the most notable moments came in March’s derby against Newcastle United, when Sunderland’s squad was stretched, and Jones was included among the substitutes at St James’ Park. Given the lack of senior options available that day, he was only one injury or suspension away from potentially being called upon in one of the biggest fixtures of the season.

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Jones has also played an important role for Sunderland’s U21s this season. He made seven appearances in the Premier League Cup, including the final against Burnley, as Graeme Murty’s side rounded off their campaign with a showpiece fixture at the Stadium of Light. The defender also featured across Premier League 2, the National League Cup and the Premier League International Cup, gaining regular minutes in a variety of different competitions.

Sunderland have been working through a number of academy contract decisions in recent weeks, with several young players either under contract, in talks or awaiting clarity over their futures. The club have also triggered one-year options for Ben Metcalf and Luke Bell, while Matty Young is on the verge of signing a new deal after impressing on loan at Salford City.

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