Sunderland have agreed a new deal with defender Dan Ballard
Sunderland have been handed a major boost after Dan Ballard agreed an extension to his current contract.
The Echo understands that Ballard put pen to paper on fresh terms ahead of the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, and that confirmation of the new deal is now imminent. Sunderland have been keen to reward Ballard for his rapid progress on Wearside, emerging as one of the key players in Régis Le Bris's squad since promotion to the Premier League.
As with the vast majority of the squad from last season, Ballard's contract improved as a result of promotion but with clubs taking notice of the defender's stellar form, Sunderland moved to reward his performances. His previous deal had been due to expire in the summer of 2028, and it's thought that he has agreed an extension of a further year.
The news serves as a boost for director of football Florent Ghisolfi as begins to step up preparations for the summer transfer window. With initial talks not yielding a breakthrough, there had been a risk of Sunderland's position being weakened if Ballard did attract transfer interest. They now have greater clarity and security in a key part of the pitch heading into what will be a vital window now that the 26-year-old has again committed his long-term future to the club.
Ballard will be honoured at the North East Football Writers' Association annual dinner at the Ramside tonight, where he will be awarded the prestigious Player of the Year award. Ballard is the first men's player to win the award since Jermain Defoe in 2016.
Ballard's new deal is a big boost for Ghisolfi, who made his admiration for Ballard clear in an interview with The Echo in November of last year.
"He is a discreet guy, a hard worker, not afraid about anything and he also has talent," Ghisolfi said.
"This is what we want Sunderland to be. For the players who are coming in the future and the players who are staying, we need to keep this energy, this mentality in how we work around them every day.”
Sunderland close to confirming transfer exit
Meanwhile, Sunderland are close to confirming the permanent exit of winger Ian Poveda.The winger has not been part of Le Bris's plans this season and is closing in on a move to Colombian side Internacional de Bogotá.
Continue Reading