Sunderland midfielder McInnes signs first professional deal

Sunderland midfielder Libbi McInnes has signed her first professional contract with the club.

The Lady Black Cats announced the news via a post on their official website this evening.

The 19-year-old midfielder is a product of Sunderland’s Regional Talent Centre (RTC). McInnes has been a member of the senior squad in each of Sunderland’s three seasons back in the Barclays Women’s Championship. The youngster has made 22 appearances for the club in the second tier.

McInnes has a big future ahead of her and she has celebrated her continued development by signing her first professional terms with Sunderland.

After signing on again with the Wearside club, McInnes said “I’m delighted to have signed for another year with this Club. It’s definitely a place where I can see myself progressing and developing as a player, especially with my teammates and coaches, and I’m looking forward to the next season.”

Seven players have now signed new contracts with Sunderland ahead of the new season. In addition to McInnes, Natasha Fenton, Jessica Brown, Megan Borthwick, Megan Beer, Emily Scarr and Louise Griffiths have also recently penned new deals with the club.

Sunderland head coach Melanie Reay is expected to retain the majority of her squad from last season. The Lady Black Cats went close to winning promotion back to the Barclays Women’s Super League in 2023/2024 before falling away in the final couple of games.