Sunderland announce contract extension for ‘first class’ Niall Huggins
Sunderland announced on Wednesday that Welsh defender Niall Huggins had signed a new contract until 2026.
Huggins has had a troubled time at the club ever since joining from Leeds in 2021, having missed 44 games due to injury, according to TransferMarkt.
When he has featured, however, Huggins has looked to be a real gem at Championship level and provides much-needed depth at the full-back positions.
In an interview on Sunderland’s website, Huggins said: “It’s been a tough year for me, so I appreciate the Club backing me and seeing my potential. I’m delighted to sign this contract and I’m grateful for the continued support I receive from my team-mates, the staff, and the supporters. My focus now is to keep working as hard as I can to ensure that I get back to the level I know I’m capable of.
Kristjaan Speakman was keen to explain the reasoning behind the contract extension saying: “Niall experienced a significant injury just as he had established himself in the team but despite this disappointment, his response has been first class.
“He continues to work extremely hard to put himself in a positive position as he continues his rehabilitation. This extension removes any ambiguity over his status next summer and allows our focus to be on supporting him over the coming weeks and months.”
Niall Huggins can succeed at Sunderland
In the games he’s featured in, Huggins has looked to be a real class act. His ability to drive forward with the ball is an attribute that not many full-backs in this division have been able to demonstrate consistently.
His incredible solo goal against Watford last season was a testament to the ability he has and an extended run in the team somewhat suggested his injury woes were behind him however an injury on Boxing Day in 2023 ruled him out for the remainder of the season and is yet to feature since.
When fit, he provides excellent cover for Trai Hume and Dennis Cirkin who have both enjoyed outstanding starts to the current campaign however at the moment, Sunderland do not have any natural replacements in those positions.
Whilst a return to first-team action is still seemingly far away, Huggins’ future at the club is now clear and it is evident that they hold him in high regard.
In other Sunderland news, Sunderland’s most recent recruit Aaron Connolly has hit the ground running with three goals in two Under-21s appearances as he edges closer to match fitness
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