Sunderland weigh Zak Johnson option as Squad Cost Rules loom | OneFootball

Sunderland are weighing whether to activate a one-year option on England youth international Zak Johnson, with the club considering value protection as new Squad Cost Rules approach.

Sunderland Echo understands Johnson’s deal expires this summer and the club hold a one-year extension. No final decision has been taken, though protecting their position is under consideration.

The 21-year-old centre-back, who can also play right-back, is highly regarded after coming through the Academy of Light. Loan spells include Hartlepool United, Dundalk, Notts County and most recently York City.

Johnson started as York clinched the National League title on the final day against Rochdale, sealing promotion to League Two. He made 25 league appearances, scoring one with two assists, and 29 in all competitions for 2,310 minutes.

He debuted for Sunderland in October 2021 in an EFL Trophy win over Manchester United Under-21s, aged 16 years and 141 days, the club’s youngest outfield player in almost 50 years. He has also been capped by England at youth level.

From 2026-27, SCR will cap spending on wages, manager wages, agents' fees and transfer amortisation as a share of football revenue. The general limit is 85%, with European competitors at 70%, and in-season monitoring via forecasts will apply. Sunderland are not thought to be at risk under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, but safeguarding even modest fees could still help.

Source: Sunderland Echo