Luke O'Nien has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland have now confirmed.

O'Nien has been a key player for the Black Cats since arriving from Wycombe Wanderers in 2018, featuring 139 times for the Wearside club.

The 26-year-old's versatility has seen him play in midfield and in defence for Sunderland, filling in at both centre-back and right-back for Lee Johnson's side last season.

O'Nien made 38 appearances in League One last season, as Sunderland missed out on promotion to the Championship for the third year running.

The versatile 26-year-old has been out of contract, with Luton Town, Millwall, Middlesbrough and Preston North End being linked with his signature on a free transfer.

But with pre-season now underway, Sunderland have this morning confirmed that O'Nien has signed a new three-year deal on Wearside.

This ties him down until the summer of 2024, with the club revealing that he had interest from several Championship clubs.

Lee Johnson said: “We are all delighted that Luke that has re-signed for the club. He is a great character around the place and he’s perfect for the type of culture that we want to create, as well as being a very versatile and quality player – and one we hope can help us strive for the next level.”

The Verdict 

This is a great bit of news for Sunderland and undoubtedly a massive boost for the Black Cats.

O'Nien has been an excellent servant for Sunderland over the last three years - he wears his heart on his sleeve and is committed to the cause, hence why he has played in so many positions under Jack Ross, Phil Parkinson and Lee Johnson.

It's a coup for Sunderland to tie him down to a new deal at a time where he could have moved up a division, after losing out on promotion once again.