Sunderland have confirmed the exit of two youngsters as they continue to clear the decks ahead of their second season in the Premier League. The Black Cats have sanctioned the loan departure of Milan Aleksic, with the youngster returning to his old club Partizan Belgrade for the 2026/27 campaign in a move which could net Sunderland £1 million.
The 20-year-old joined Polish club Cracovia last summer after struggling to break through into the senior side during his first two years on Wearside, but was recalled in the January window due to limited playing time and with Sunderland keen to free up an extra international loan slot in their squad. Reports in Serbia have claimed there is an option-to-buy clause inserted in the deal worth around £1 million.
Academy prospect Harrison Jones, meanwhile, has joined Peterborough United on a permanent deal. Jones, a boyhood Sunderland fan, came through the youth ranks and captained the Under-21s in the Premier League Cup Final in May. He made his first-team debut in August 2024 as a second-half substitute in the League Cup against Preston North End, and started the FA Cup defeat against Stoke in January 2025. His league debut arrived in February 2025, coming off the bench in a 2-1 away victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship, and he featured three more times in the season run-in with Regis Le Bris' side having already secured a play-off space. However, last season he was restricted to just one appearance in the Carabao Cup against Huddersfield.
New Academy Chief Appointed
Elsewhere, the club has confirmed the appointment of John Hewitson as their new head of academy, as they look to discover and develop the next Chris Rigg. Hewitson, who has been part of Sunderland's Academy since 2019, succeeds Robin Nicholls following his departure at the end of the season. The 44-year-old has also worked as Individual Coach and Player Developer.
Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi said: “The Academy is a fundamental part of Sunderland AFC's identity and our future. Following Robin's departure, it was important for us to consider the outstanding talent we already have within the club, and John stood out as the right person to lead the next chapter. Promoting from within is about more than continuity, it is an expression of our identity. It is about recognising people who understand our culture, our community and what this football club represents. We are building an elite development environment, and having leaders who share our values is essential to that process. The progress of players such as Chris Rigg, who continues to perform at the highest level with our first team in the Premier League, demonstrates the importance of a strong Academy pathway.”
Chief Executive Officer, Tom Burwell, added: “Our commitment to the Academy remains stronger than ever. We are determined to provide the best young talent across the region with an environment that allows them to maximise their potential, both on and off the pitch. That commitment goes beyond coaching and player development. This summer's investment in our training ground forms part of a wider multi-year investment programme designed to enhance our infrastructure and create the very best conditions for our players and staff. The Academy is a vital part of Sunderland AFC's future, and John's appointment reflects our belief in the strength of the work already taking place across the football club. We look forward to supporting him as he leads the next phase of its development.”
Hewitson, meanwhile, believes the insight he already has into what goes on at the Academy of Light is important to help him succeed in his new role. He added: “I am incredibly proud to take on this role at such an exciting time for Sunderland AFC. Having worked within the Academy for a number of years, I have seen first-hand the dedication of our players, staff and families, and the important role the Academy plays within the football club and the wider community. We have a strong foundation in place and a clear vision for the future. Our aim is to continue creating an environment that challenges and supports young players to maximise their potential, while ensuring the values and identity of Sunderland AFC remain at the heart of everything we do.”
