Sunderland have confirmed the signing of teenage Costa Rica international Jewison Bennette - with boss Alex Neil describing him as a 'huge talent'. The 18-year-old winger has joined the Wearsiders from CS Herediano for an undisclosed fee, and has signed a four-year contract with the option of a further year.
Bennette said: "I'm very happy and I’m looking forward to taking on this new challenge. I've come here with the aim of helping the team as much as I can.
"When you see the Stadium of Light and this huge fan base, it gives you more motivation and desire to work hard day-to-day and give your all."
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Neil added: "He is a huge talent and an international player. Our model is to unearth the best young talent and try to develop them, so for everyone it is very exciting.
"We need to be patient and allow him time to acclimatise to a new country and learn the language – he is certainly one for the future."
Bennette has been capped six times by his country, and became the youngest player to represent Costa Rica at a senior level when he played against El Salvador in August last year at the age of 17. He played a part in Costa Rica reaching this winter's World Cup in Qatar, and is expected to be part of the squad for the tournament where Los Ticos have been placed in Group E alongside Spain, Germany, and Japan.
Bennette will wear the number 19 shirt for Sunderland, which was vacated this summer following the departure of Arbenit Xhemajli.
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