South Shields have completed the signing of right-back Jordan Hunter, with the youngster turning down a contract extension at Sunderland.
Right-back Hunter spent last season on loan at Mariners Park and was voted the club's Young Player of the Year and the Supporters' Player of the Year after impressing in 39 appearances.
The 20-year-old, who joined Sunderland from Liverpool, had been offered a contract extension at the Stadium of Light, but seeing first-team opportunities with the Black Cats unlikely, he has opted on the move to South Shields, signing a three-year deal.
Hunter said: "I enjoyed a great season here on loan from Sunderland last year and while I could have stayed at the Stadium of Light, it was so clear to see that this club shares my ambition to keep on improving.
“I was really flattered to see their desire to make my loan move a permanent one and as soon as the club offered me a three-year contract, I couldn’t wait to sign it and help them try and achieve the success we all desire.
"The club is going places and I know that from first-hand experience having been here last season.
“There are so many different elements which make it a great place to be.
“The coaching staff are brilliant, as are the players on and off the pitch, and then there are the brilliant fans who we feel so close to.
“My family have always been made to feel so welcome and if they’re happy here, that makes it so much easier for me.
“All the lads are feeling very motivated going into the new season and we want to do even better than last time.
“I just want to fast-forward to the first game of the season now.”
Hunter will hope to help the Mariners earn promotion to the National League North - something they looked on course to do before the season was cancelled due to coronavirus, with results and promotion voided.
The youngster's Sunderland exit comes on the same day that academy prospect Bali Mumba also left the club to join Norwich City.
