Dan Ballard issues social media message following Sunderland transfer switch

Championship newcomers Sunderland have pulled off a major transfer coup after securing the signature of Arsenal defender Dan Ballard.

The 22-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light, with the Black Cats holding the option to extend his deal into a fourth year.

Ballard, who has amassed 15 caps already for the Northern Ireland national team, scoring twice, has spent the last two seasons out on loan in the EFL.

First, he joined Blackpool when the Seasiders were in League One during the 2020-21 season, playing alongside new team-mate Elliot Embleton when he was also on-loan at Bloomfield Road, and the centre-back was a major part of their promotion to the second tier.

Then, Ballard signed for Millwall of the Championship for the 2021-22 campaign, appearing 31 times in the league for the Lions as they finished in eighth position.

Despite his young age, Ballard brings a decent amount of experience to Alex Neil’s back-line at the Stadium of Light, and he’s sent a message to Sunderland fans following confirmation of his arrival.

Delighted to have joined @SunderlandAFC