Sunderland have made a decision over the future of Academy of Light graduate Harrison Jones.
Sunderland have already made a firm decision on the future of an academy product that has been in and around the senior setup at the Stadium of Light this season.
The Echo understands the Black Cats have opted against triggering a one-year option in Harrison Jones’ current contract and the versatile midfielder has been told he is free to leave the club when his current deal comes to a close this summer. The Wearside-born youngster made his senior debut in August 2024 when he came off the bench during the final 20 minutes of a Carabao Cup first round defeat against then-Championship rivals Preston North End.
Jones has gone on to make a further six appearances at first-team level and two of them came as part of Regis Le Bris’ starting eleven during the final month of last season’s successful push for promotion into the Premier League. That came over a year after the youngster had made his first senior start in an FA Cup third round defeat against Stoke City, a moment he described as ‘a dream come true’.
Speaking after the loss, Jones told the club website: "I am delighted to get the opportunity, it's surreal. Any Sunderland supporter growing up wants to play at the Stadium of Light, it's a dream come true. I felt I did okay, I still have plenty to learn. The messages before the game were to win the second balls, keep calm in possession and enjoy the moment.
“Dan's (Dan Neil) calming voice helped me make the right decisions. He's a proper leader. I am really grateful for everyone's backing. The rest of the lads have been really good to me since I started training with them. You can see from the amount of young players that there is a clear pathway."
EFL interest
placeholder image
Frank Reid
Jones’ first-team involvement during the current season has been limited to one start in a Carabao Cup loss against Huddersfield Town in August - but he has been an unused substitute in 12 Premier League fixtures and was on the bench for last month’s Tyne-Wear derby win at Newcastle.
The Echo reported a number of EFL clubs were keen to secure his services on loan during the January transfer window before an injury suffered in a Premier League International Cup fixture against Borussia Dortmund brought a swift end to any thoughts of the first temporary move of his career. Since returning from injury, Jones has captained the Black Cats Under-21s over the last month and caught the eye with a stunning free-kick in a 2-1 defeat against Derby County earlier this week.
Several scouts were on hand to assess Jones during the loss and the youngster is believed to have interest from League One and League Two clubs, as well as a number of clubs in the Scottish Premiership after he was told he can move on this summer. The Echo understands at least five clubs across the EFL and two clubs north of the border have already indicated they would be willing to discuss a deal for Jones as his time with the Black Cats draws to a close.
Continue Reading