first team

Sunderland defender Zak Johnson has enjoyed a successful loan spell in Ireland and is now aiming for a spot in the Black Cats’ first team. The 19-year-old joined Dundalk for the 2023-24 season, where he made a significant impact by helping the team achieve a club record of eight consecutive home clean sheets. Johnson’s consistent performances earned him the 1903 Dundalk FC Supporters Club Player of the Month award and a nomination for the Soccer Writers of Ireland Player of the Month award for May. Reflecting on his time at Dundalk, Johnson emphasized the importance of playing as many games as possible and proving his reliability and maturity, regardless of his age. With these experiences, he hopes to secure a place in Sunderland’s first team under new head coach Régis Le Bris.