Sunderland sign Everton U23s defender Joe Anderson as club strengthen ahead of play-off push
![Joe Anderson of Everton](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.planetsport.com%2Fimage-library%2Fland%2F700%2Fj%2Fjoe-anderson-everton-26-sep-2020.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Sunderland have completed the signing of Everton U23s defender Joe Anderson.
The 21-year-old arrives at the Stadium of Light on a three-and-a-half-year deal, with the club holding an option of a further 12 months.
Anderson started his career at Liverpool before making the move to Everton at the age of 15.
The defender stepped up to the U23s side in 2019/20 and cemented his place in the starting line-up a year later.
Anderson became captain of the development side and went on to make 62 appearances.
Following his move to Sunderland, the player will take part in his first training session on Tuesday.
Manager Tony Mowbray told safc.com: "Joe fits the profile of player we want to keep adding to the club and we look forward to supporting his development in a senior environment.
"He will add immediate competition and depth to our squad (and) is going to be a real long-term asset for the club."
Anderson added: "I'm over the moon to make the move, the minute the Club were interested I wanted to come here.
"I met the Head Coach and really liked what he had to say, and the fact he was also a centre back means I'll have a lot to learn from him. It's a challenge I'm really looking forward to and I can't wait to get started."
Sunderland are currently ninth in the Championship and sit just one-point adrift of play-off places.
The Black Cats are preparing for a weekend trip to eighth-placed Millwall as they look to strengthen their position in the race for the top six.