Three current players in Sunderland’s academy could potentially play a big part next season.
Sunderland have undergone a predominantly successful 2024/25 Championship campaign so far, with Regis Le Bris’ side firmly planted in 4th position in the league table.
Looking at the players that have led the Black Cats to a successful season so far, one which looks set to give them an opportunity to fight for promotion via the Championship playoffs, many of those that have pulled their weight have originated from the Sunderland academy set-up.
The likes of Chris Rigg and Dan Neil in the centre of the park have been crucial this campaign, whilst Anthony Patterson continues to tie down his place as the Black Cats shot-stopper, all three of which came from the academy. Even Tommy Watson has proven himself to be Championship level until his untimely injury that put him out of action for months.
Because of the success that Sunderland have had with recent graduates from the academy, here are three that could step into the fray next season…
Trey Ogunsuyi
Trey Ogunsuyi is one of the biggest prospects within the Sunderland academy, with the Belgian firing on all fronts for the U21 side.
The 18-year-old has been handed very limited first team game time after appearing in extra time for the Black Cats in the FA Cup defeat to Stoke City, but it would be no surprise to see him handed more of an opportunity for Sunderland next season, and could easily be a more budget-friendly option for Kristjaan Speakman in regards to a back-up striker behind both Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda in the pecking order.
Harrison Jones
One other player currently thriving in the U21 set-up is midfield playmaker Harrison Jones.
Like Ogunsuyi, Jones’ first team involvement this season has been rather limited. However, Jones was utilised from the start against the Potters in the FA Cup, and has also been handed substitute appearances in the EFL Cup and the Championship, the latter of which saw him notch just 1 minute of action against Sheffield Wednesday.
Jones has also thrived with the U21s this season and could be in line for a permanent promotion to first-team action after being in and around the squad on several occasions this season. The Sunderland youngster would also have a brilliant mentor in Neil to look up to as he closes in on first-team games.
Finn Geragusyan
One player that has burst onto the scene in Sunderland’s academy this season is 17-year-old centre-forward Finn Geragusyan.
Starting the season in the U18 set-up, Geragusyan notched six goals and four assists before being promoted to U21 action, where he has continued to excel. This week, he notched two goals in a 3-1 win against Leeds United U21s, showing his vast improvement across the season. If Sunderland were needing extra numbers up top, Geragusyan would certainly be a fine addition to the side next season to bolster squad depth.
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