Niall Huggins claims, via The Northern Echo, that he left Leeds United to join Sunderland this summer as he knew his chances to progress would be limited under Marcelo Bielsa.
The Black Cats paid the Whites an undisclosed fee to sign the 20-year-old permanently last month. He signed a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light, and made his debut against Blackpool in the Carabao Cup. The Seasiders affair also marking his first career senior star.
Huggins never opened a first-team fixture for Leeds before departing Elland Road for the North East. Bielsa only awarded the Wales U21 international 37-minutes of senior football, after featuring from the bench at Arsenal in February. One of just 10 inclusions in a squad.
Huggins felt his path to senior football would continue to be blocked if he stayed at Leeds amid Sunderland’s interest. He realises Bielsa wants the Whites to sign top-quality players to strengthen their Premier League position. And thus, opportunities for young prospects are far less likely than on Wearside, as Lee Johnson seeks promotion out of League One.
“It was a great experience to be near that first-team level in the Premier League,” said Huggins. “But Leeds are looking to bring in lots of high-quality players from around the world and opportunity-wise, for me, it was going to be hard to breakthrough.
“The pathway just got a bit smaller for me and when I heard Sunderland were interested, it was huge. They are a massive club. I know they are in League One now, but they’re fighting to get back up the leagues and they’re a Premier League club really. The philosophy there is similar to Leeds and think I can bring a lot to them.”
Huggins chasing big break at Sunderland after Leeds struggle
Huggins will hope his decision to sever ties with academy side Leeds now returns his big breakthrough with Sunderland. The York-born Wales youth international had risen through the Elland Road ranks to be on the cusp of Bielsa’s plans.
Now, The Northern Echo add the 20-year-old will contend with Dennis Cirkin for a starting spot in Johnson’s squad. The 19-year-old has started three of the Black Cats’ opening four League One fixtures since joining from Tottenham last month.
Leeds, meanwhile, will likely watch in hope that Huggins does not prove to be a missed opportunity with Sunderland. He has already displayed versatility in defence by operating at both left and right-back. And can even step into a wide midfield role if necessary.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
