Sunderland AFC have completed the signing of Sam Brotherton on a deal until summer 2019.

The youngster, who will link up with Ellliott Dickman’s under-23 squad, is a New Zealand international having gained six caps at senior level.

Brotherton swaps Stateside for Wearside having represented the Wisconsin Badgers of the University of Wisconsin in the Big Ten Conference.

The 20-year-old sophomore defender was named National Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Week in October, becoming the first University of Wisconsin men’s soccer player to earn the award.

Brotherton also has experience at youth international level, representing New Zealand at under-20 and under-23 level.