Sunderland youngster Ollie Younger has signed a new one-year contract at the Stadium of Light, with the club holding the option of an additional year.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed his fair share of game time in pre-season and played in the heart of defence against Tranmere Rovers in midweek.
Younger, who joined the Black Cats from Burnley in 2020, has committed his future to the club until summer 2022.
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The centre-half, who can also play at right-back, made 11 appearances for Sunderland's Under-23s last season as they reached the Premier League 2 Play-Off final.
Younger also made four senior appearances with his debut coming in the Papa John's Trophy defeat against Fleetwood Town.
The former Burnley defender would also make his first appearance for the senior side in League One in March 2021, as Lee Johnson handed him a start in the 2-0 win over Rochdale.
Speaking to SAFC after signing a new deal, Younger said: “I’m delighted to have signed a new deal at the club.
"I felt like I had a good 2020-21 season, but I want to continue developing and I’ll keep my head down and continue to work hard.
"I’ve enjoyed pre-season, playing for the first team and in front of crowds, and hopefully I can earn more opportunities throughout the upcoming season.”
Head Coach Lee Johnson said: “Ollie has continually progressed and we felt a new a contract was the appropriate next step to take in his development.
"This creates an opportunity for Ollie and we will continue to assess his progression in a first-team environment with structured plan for him moving forward.”
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