Sunderland make loan announcement for Under-23s player

Sunderland have confirmed Caden Kelly has had his loan deal at Darlington extended until the end of the campaign. 

Having been a crucial figure under Graeme Murty at Under-23s level, the Black Cats opted to send the youngster out on loan in search of regular game time.

Since arriving at Darlington, Kelly has impressed and has subsequently seen that loan spell extended again for the rest of the season, as confirmed via the club's X account (4 February).

The 21-year-old will return to the Stadium of Light in the summer, when a further decision will likely be made on his future at the club. 

Could Kaden Kelly return to Sunderland in the summer?

While he will return from his loan spell, questions will be asked as to what the next step for the youngsters will be if he is to continue his development at Darlington. 

Quite frankly, that decision may be altered when Sunderland learn what division they will be competing in next season, with the Black Cats hoping to achieve promotion this time round. 

Should the Wearsiders remain in the Championship, there’s a good chance Kelly could be introduced into the fringes of the first-team fold, but otherwise his future looks dull. 

With little senior involvement to date, there’s very little chance of him having a future at the club if they are to get promoted, in which they currently stand a good chance. 

After their 3-2 win against Middlesbrough, the Black Cats are now just three points outside of the automatic promotion places with many twists and turns still expected to come between now and the end of the season. 

In other Sunderland News, a final decision was made on the future of Tommy Watson prior to the transfer deadline.

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