Sunderland Exclusive: Mitchell excited for next step amid ‘crazy’ turn of events
Cuba Mitchell has his eyes firmly on the future after departing Sunderland at the end of the season.
It is bound to be a summer of change for the Black Cats after earning promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs at Wembley.
As positive as this was for Regis Le Bris’ men, the end of the campaign represented the end of the road for many academy talents in the north east.
One of those was central midfielder Mitchell, who is now eying new opportunities and looking forward to a career away from the Stadium of Light.
Mitchell taking up opportunities away from Sunderland
The Mackems represent one of the best places for young players to play football, proven by the success of the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Eliezer Mayenda.
Breaking through into the first team isn’t always possible for some, but that doesn’t mean their career is over after leaving SR5.
| Rank | Club | Average age |
| 1. | Sunderland | 23.2 |
| 2. | Stoke City | 24.0 |
| 3. | Sheffield United | 24.5 |
| 4. | Norwich City | 25.0 |
| 5. | Watford | 25.1 |
This certainly won’t be the case for the 19-year-old, who is confident of landing on his feet after being let go by the Black Cats ahead of promotion to the Premier League.
With the prospect of playing international football for Bangladesh firmly in the pipeline, there is every reason for Mitchell to back himself.
This has seen the former Birmingham City youngster assess his options in England and abroad, as he weighs up the next step of his football career.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, Mitchell said: “It’s quiet at the moment [in the transfer window], but I’ve got opportunities that I want to take in pre-season. I was supposed to be going to Bangladesh in the last few weeks to play for them, but my registration was a couple of hours late, so I’ll have to wait until October.
“Obviously, that will open a lot more doors with the noise of being called up, which has probably put me in a better position. I’m definitely considering a move abroad, it’s just something I’m weighing up. It’s about finding the positives and negatives of any move, whether it’s finding a club in England and pushing on there, or maybe going abroad.
“Just have to look at it properly and see what suits me and is best for my pathway and my career. We’ll see what the future brings. The biggest thing is finding that pathway. I’m the kind of player who wants to get on the ball and play, keep the ball ticking. If I can find a club that supports that and brings young players in, that would be ideal.
“Just as an experience alone, playing for Bangladesh will be once in a lifetime. Not many players get to experience that opportunity, especially ones that haven’t got major minutes in the first team.
“I’ve already touched base with Hamza Choudhary and had a chat about the play-off final and the experience he’s had over there. The support has been crazy, so I’m just excited to get out there and play to see what doors open up from that alone.“
Mitchell assesses new club opportunities after Sunderland exit
Some players may be left downcast by such a decision, but it is clear to see that the Birmingham-born midfielder is confident in his own ability.
This is bound to serve him well moving into what is bound to be a busy summer, kick-starting with a warm-weather training camp in Spain.
The work rate is clearly there, especially after an injury ruled him out for many months, something that can only serve him well for the future.
With Sunderland eying up the Premier League, it will be interesting to see who joins Enzo Le Fee on the incoming signing list, as Mitchell decides where he wants to play his football next campaign.