Dan Ballard signs new long-term Sunderland deal in major boost | OneFootball

Sunderland received a major boost after the club announced on Sunday night that Dan Ballard has signed a new long-term contract at the Stadium of Light. The deal runs to the summer of 2029, with an option for a further 12 months.

The former Arsenal centre-back was integral to last season’s promotion to the Premier League, scoring a late winner in the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final against Coventry City.

He has shone throughout his first season in the top flight. Ballard scored on the opening day win against West Ham United, then again in a fully deserved home draw with his former club and current Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Director of football Florent Ghisolfi said Ballard embodies Sunderland’s identity through professionalism, consistency and spirit, adding he has grown into a Premier League defender and a leader in the dressing room. He said the commitment underlines the club’s purpose and ambition.

Ballard said he was delighted to extend his stay and that agreeing the new deal felt straightforward once talks began. Recently named North East Football Writers Player of the Year, he hopes to keep impressing for club and country as he prepares for Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off with Italy later this month.

Source: Sunderland Echo