SUNDERLAND have completed the signing of German youngster Elias Lenz.

The 18-year-old midfielder has joined the Black Cats on a permanent deal from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

Having joined the Die Roten Bullen Academy in 2016, Lenz captained RB Leipzig's Under-19s side in each of the last two seasons.

He will initially join up with Graeme Murty's Sunderland Under-21s side after leaving his homeland to move to Wearside.

A central midfielder, who is most comfortable as a deep-lying playmaker, has signed a deal on Wearside until 2026.

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Sunderland academy manager, Robin Nicholls, said: “We are delighted that Elias has chosen to join Sunderland AFC. He arrives from RB Leipzig where he enjoyed an excellent youth career, playing in their Under-17 and Under-19 age groups and competing in the prestigious UEFA Youth League.

"He spent some time training with us at the end of last season and we believe he will bring something different to an already talented group.”