Sunderland AFC has completed the signing of Joe Anderson from Everton.
The defender, 21, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light, with a Club option of a further year.
Born in Stalybridge, Anderson started his career at Liverpool before crossing the Mersey aged 15 and moving to Goodison Park.
The defender made 25 appearances for the Toffees’ Under-18s during the 2018-19 season, as Paul Tait’s side registered a third-place finish in the U18 Premier League (North) and reached the quarter finals of the FA Youth Cup.
Anderson made the step up to Under-23 level in 2019-20 and cemented his place as a regular starter one season later, going on to captain the Blues’ development side and feature on 62 occasions.
A centre back who can also operate in a left-sided role, he will train with his new team-mates at the Academy of Light on Tuesday morning.
Anderson said: “I’m over the moon to make the move, the minute the Club were interested I wanted to come here. I met the Head Coach and really liked what he had to say, and the fact he was also a centre back means I’ll have a lot to learn from him. It’s a challenge I’m really looking forward to and I can’t wait to get started.”
Tony Mowbray added: “Joe fits the profile of player we want to keep adding to the Club and we look forward to supporting his development in a senior environment. The talent and potential is there and although he may need time to develop physically in the next weeks and months, he will add immediate competition and depth to our squad. A left-footed, left-sided central defender, which is a rarity, he can distribute the ball well from the back and connect defence with midfield – he is going to be a real long-term asset for the Club.”