Ex-Sunderland defender Joe Anderson signs two-year deal with Accrington Stanley | OneFootball

Accrington Stanley have signed former Sunderland defender Joe Anderson on a two-year contract.

The 25-year-old left Barrow after their relegation from League Two and now returns to the EFL with Accrington, Sunderland Echo reports.

Anderson joined Barrow from Sunderland in January, making 14 appearances during the second half of the campaign.

The left-sided centre-back moved to Sunderland from Everton in January 2023 and made his senior debut the following month, a late substitute in a 1-1 Championship draw against Millwall.

He made seven senior appearances for Sunderland and spent 2023-24 on loan at Shrewsbury Town in League One, playing 30 games before returning to Wearside.

The defender came through Liverpool’s academy before joining Everton aged 15 in 2016, signing his first professional deal in 2019 and later agreeing an extension ahead of his Sunderland switch.

“He understands levels, he has the drive to succeed, and he has played a number of games in the EFL,” said Accrington boss John Doolan. “He is a left-sided centre-half and I know he will take the opportunity with both hands.”

The move continues a busy period for former Sunderland players this summer and gives Anderson a platform to re-establish himself in League Two.

Source: Sunderland Echo