Niall Huggins joins PFA free agent pre-season programme after Sunderland exit | OneFootball

Niall Huggins has joined the PFA’s free agent pre-season programme as he seeks a new club for the 2026-27 campaign after leaving Sunderland this summer.

According to Sunderland Echo, 39 free agents are in the first-week cohort, with the former Leeds United defender among the defenders named. The initiative keeps out-of-contract players in condition, provides professional sessions and puts them in front of clubs and representatives.

Huggins, 25, departed Wearside this summer following an injury-hit spell that blunted his momentum. He joined the Black Cats from Leeds United in summer 2021, arriving highly rated but repeatedly sidelined.

When fit, he offered quality and versatility, comfortable on either flank. His standout moment came in 2023-24 with a long-range strike against Watford at the Stadium of Light, later named Sunderland’s Goal of the Season.

Despite flashes of promise, consistent minutes proved elusive. Sunderland chose not to extend his deal this summer as Florent Ghisolfi continued to reshape the squad and academy pathway.

Huggins will hope the programme helps secure his next move before 2026-27. He is part of a sizeable group training with the organisation, with clubs able to register interest in available players.

Source: Sunderland Echo