Young German midfielder Elias Lenz has joined Sunderland on a permanent deal. The 18-year-old has signed from Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig.
Joining the Die Roten Bullen Academy in 2016, the teenager captained the U19 side over the last two campaigns, and will now link up with Graeme Murty and the U21s.
Lenz enjoys a role as a central midfielder, more comfortable as a deeper playmaker and he has signed a deal on Wearside until 2026.
Academy manager, Robin Nicholls added: “We are delighted that Elias has chosen to join Sunderland.
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“He arrives from RB Leipzig where he enjoyed an excellent youth career, playing in their U17 and U19 age groups and competing in the prestigious UEFA Youth League.
"He spent some time training with us at the end of last season and we believe he will bring something different to an already talented group.”
It has already been a busy summer on Wearside, with Sunderland confirming the arrival of midfielder Alan Browne from Preston North End, winger Ian Poveda from Leeds United and goalkeeper Simon Moore from Cardiff City.
