Sunderland AFC are pleased to announce that Adam Richardson has signed his first professional contract.
The goalkeeper, who attracted interest from clubs across the Premier League and EFL, has committed his future to the club, putting pen to paper on a long-term deal.
Currently representing SAFC’s under-16s, the 2020-21 season will see Richardson continue his development on a full-time basis when he joins the club’s youth team at the Academy of Light.
The England youth international will be hoping to become the latest graduate in a long line of players to progress through the club’s esteemed academy, which regained its prestigious category one status last week.
After signing up, Richardson said: “I’m incredibly proud to have signed this contract and I can’t quite believe it. I have been at Sunderland since I was eight, so it means a lot to me to have committed my future to the club.
“It’s not just for me, though, my family have been there every step of the way. I have also worked with a lot of great coaches since I arrived, including Mark Prudhoe who has been the one to help me through a lot of high and lows.
“He has had a big influence on me, and I’m looking forward to working with him over the next few years.”
Academy goalkeeping coach Mark Prudhoe added: “I am delighted that Adam has signed a contract with the club. He is a great young goalkeeper coming through our system and we are all excited by his potential.
“Hopefully he can eat that potential up, and if he does, I think we might have another graduate coming along sooner rather than later.”