Sunderland have added two new signings to bolster the club's U21 squad. Left-back Connor Pye has joined for an undisclosed fee from League One Morecambe, while defensive midfielder Tom Chiabi has arrived after leaving Cardiff City over the summer.
The teenagers have both signed two-year deals on Wearside, with the club having the option to extend either player's stay by a further 12 months. Pye, 18, made his senior debut for Morecambe in the EFL trophy in August last year, while 19-year-old Chiabi came through the ranks at Millwall before joining Cardiff.
"It's a dream come true to sign for a club like Sunderland," said Pye. "I spent a lot of time with the first team at Morecambe over the past 12 months, which I feel will stand me in good stead here moving forward.
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"As a left-back, I like to first and foremost defend and keep clean sheets, but I see myself as very attack-minded. I was a winger as a younger player for a number of years, so I feel I can bring strong attributes such as running with the ball and helping to start attacks."
Chiabi added: "It feels amazing to get the deal over the line after a successful trial here. From the minute I walked into the building, everyone here has been great with me.
"I'm looking forward to being in these new surroundings of the North East and getting to work. I like to disrupt opposition attacks and begin attacks of our own, as a presence in midfield.
"I feel that I'm a tenacious player. Of course, the aim is to work to get as close to the first team as possible."
The duo will both be available for Sunderland U21s' first home game of the season, which sees the Black Cats take on Aston Villa at Eppleton on Monday evening.
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