Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce the signings of Connor Pye and Tom Chiabi to its Under-21 squad.
The teenage duo have both signed two-year deals on Wearside, with a Club option of a further year.
Pye, an 18-year-old left-back by trade, arrives from Morecambe for an undisclosed fee, having made his first-team debut for the Sky Bet League One club in August 2021 against Rotherham United in the Papa John’s Trophy.
The Liverpool-born defender expressed his delight at the move: “It’s a dream come true to sign for a club like Sunderland.
“I spent a lot of time with the first team at Morecambe over the past 12 months, which I feel will stand me in good stead here moving forward.
“As a left-back, I like to first and foremost defend and keep clean sheets, but I see myself as very attack-minded. I was a winger as a younger player for a number of years, so I feel I can bring strong attributes such as running with the ball and helping to start attacks.”
Chiabi, 19, arrives having departed Cardiff City in the summer. The defensive midfielder also represented Millwall’s academy setup before making the move to South Wales, where he would undertake his scholarship.
“It feels amazing to get the deal over the line after a successful trial here,” Chiabi said.
“From the minute I walked into the building, everyone here has been great with me. I’m looking forward to being in these new surroundings of the North East and getting to work.
“I like to disrupt opposition attacks and begin attacks of our own, as a presence in midfield. I feel that I’m a tenacious player. Of course, the aim is to work to get as close to the first team as possible.”
Both players are eligible for selection for SAFC U21s’ next Premier League 2 fixture on Monday against Aston Villa at Eppleton CW.
Congratulations and welcome to SAFC, Lads!