Former Sunderland and Leeds United defender joins PFA free-agent pre-season group | OneFootball

Former Sunderland and Leeds United defender Niall Huggins has joined the PFA's free-agent pre-season programme as he looks for a new club ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The PFA confirmed that 39 free agents have joined them for the opening week, with Huggins listed among the defenders. The programme helps out-of-contract players stay fit, access professional coaching and showcase themselves during the summer window.

Huggins left Sunderland this summer after an injury-hit spell. The 25-year-old arrived from Leeds United in summer 2021 and was highly rated, but his progress was repeatedly interrupted by fitness issues.

When available he impressed with versatility on either flank. His standout moment came in 2023-24 with a long-range goal against Watford at the Stadium of Light, later named Sunderland's Goal of the Season.

Persistent injuries made sustained momentum hard to build, and Sunderland chose not to extend his deal as Florent Ghisolfi continued reshaping the squad and academy pathway. Huggins now hopes the PFA programme can aid his next move, with clubs able to register interest in participants.

Source: Sunderland Echo