SUNDERLAND youngster Cuba Mitchell has signed his first professional contract with the Black Cats.

The 18-year-old, who previously played with Birmingham City, has signed a deal until 2025, with the option of a 12-month extension.

Cuba moved to Wearside from Birmingham on an initial two-year scholarship deal in 2022, having previously worked with Sunderland first-team coach Mike Dodds in the West Midlands.

A central midfielder, Mitchell made his Under-21s debut for Sunderland while an Under-18s regular in the 2022-23 season, and recovered from injury in 2023 to go on to make 17 outings for the Under-21s last term.

Sunderland academy manager, Robin Nicholls, said: “Cuba joined the club as a 16-year-old from Birmingham City and has shown the potential that lies within him.

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"It can be difficult for a young person to settle in a new area of the country at such a young age, but Cuba has embraced this challenge.

"This first professional contract will see him join up with the Under-21s squad and be faced with a programme that will further develop him as a person and a player. We are delighted to have agreed terms on the deal and look forward to what lies ahead for Cuba.”