Sunderland AFC can confirm that Zak Johnson has joined Dundalk FC on loan for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
The defender joins the Lilywhites with their new campaign in the League of Ireland Premier Division getting underway on Friday evening.
Johnson recently returned from a loan spell with Hartlepool United where he made 11 appearances.
The 19-year-old will now link up with Stephen O’Donnell’s side ahead of their first game of the season against Shamrock Rovers.
Academy Manager, Robin Nicholls said: “This is an exciting move for Zak and gives him the chance to challenge himself at a good level of football following a year in which he has experienced international football as well as playing in the National League for Hartlepool, the EFL Cup for our first team, and a variety of competitions with our U21s. Our discussions with Dundalk FC have been very positive and they delivered excellently on the role Zak would play in their system. It is a good test for Zak to operate in a team who have high ambitions.”