Sunderland have some talented youngsters breaking through their ranks, and one of them has penned a new deal with the club.
Ahmed Omar is just 14 years old. But already his name is starting to do the rounds among Sunderland fans.
The youngster is part of Sunderland's U14 side and trains every day of the week bar one, whilst also undergoing his studies.
He's apparently been the subject of interest from Chelsea, Leeds United, and Sunderland's rivals Newcastle United, but he's since committed his immediate future to the Black Cats.
He's signed a new two-year deal with the club's academy, and speaking to Sunderland Echo after penning the new deal, Omar said:
“I’ve enjoyed playing football for a decade and my dream is to be a great professional player and a role model for others.
“No matter what level I’ve played at, or what age I’ve been, I’ve always enjoyed the banter on and off the pitch and the competitiveness of the sport. Football is a great way to keep fit and spend time with teammates; I just love getting the football out and playing the game!”
This news comes just a couple of days after it was revealed that another Sunderland U14 man in goalkeeper Toby Bell was being eyed up by Manchester City ahead of the summer.
Sunderland though are becoming an increasingly attractive place for younger players to cut their teeth.
Omar and Bell will have seen the likes of Dan Neil and Anthony Patterson move through the academy and into the first-team, showing them that there's a route for them to follow.
What's more is that Sunderland are constantly bringing in new, young blood, and watching them develop into important first-team players.
It's certainly a good time to be a young footballer at the Stadium of Light.
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