Ex-Sunderland academy winger Rhys Walsh returns to Glentoran and speaks of affection for Black Cats | OneFootball

Former Sunderland academy winger Rhys Walsh has rejoined Glentoran after his contract on Wearside expired.

The Northern Irish attacker moved from Glentoran to the Black Cats in February 2024, featuring regularly for their under-18 and under-21 sides. According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland confirmed in May that the teenager would depart this summer.

Walsh has agreed a long-term contract with the East Belfast club, where he made his senior debut as a 17-year-old during the 2023/24 campaign.

In his first comments since returning, he said coming back feels special because this is where he grew up, developed and first stepped into senior football, and that being home means a great deal to him and his family.

He expressed gratitude to Sunderland, saying daily training and playing there aided his development and that he feels he has returned a better player. He added that his focus is now fully on Glentoran, which he believes is the right place to kick on.

Source: Sunderland Echo