Sunderland AFC is delighted to confirm that Lynden Gooch has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract.

The USA international, who celebrated his 23rd birthday last week, has put pen to paper on a deal which will extend this stay on Wearside until at least 2022.

After joining the club in 2012, having impressed at high school level in the US, Gooch has since progressed through the ranks at the Stadium of Light, making his first-team debut in 2015 in the League Cup against Exeter City.

He has now become an integral part of the first-team squad, making 57 league appearances for the Lads in the last three seasons.

This term alone, he has already notched five goals and provided seven assists making him one of the league’s most productive players.

Speaking about the deal, Gooch said: “I am glad to get it all done because the manager has given me a lot of opportunities. He has shown faith in me when I haven’t been playing well at times, but I’m delighted to be in this first team and playing because that’s the most important thing at my age.

“The club has completely changed since the summer and the manager was a big reason for me wanting to stay.

“He has had a big impact on me this season and given me the license to do what I do best. Hopefully I can continue to show the form I have done in the first-half of the season and help us get promoted.”

Manager, Jack Ross, added: “Lynden’s contribution to the season has been evident in terms of his form and what he has given us with goals and assists. I hope it is a reflection of how young players see the club, as a platform for them to progress their career.

“Lynden can get to where he wants in the game with us, so we’re delighted, and I’m delighted for him because I’ve forged a close relationship with him in a short period of time.

“His hard work has been rewarded and hopefully now he can be a big part in the club’s future as well.”