‘It’s an honour’ says Sunderland’s first summer signing, as Black Cats confirm deal

Necatarios Triantis has described his move to Sunderland as an ‘honour’ after the Black Cats confirmed they have struck an agreement with Central Coast Mariners for the defender. Australia U20 international Triantis is set to become Sunderland’s first summer signing, although the deal will have to wait for international clearance and cannot be officially completed until the transfer window opens on Wednesday.

No fee has been confirmed by Sunderland, although the deal has been reported in Australia as being worth an initial £300,000. The length of contract that the 20-year-old will sign has also yet to be confirmed.

“The opportunity to join such a prestigious club is an honour and I’m really looking forward to heading to England and meeting my new teammates later this month,” Triantis said of the move. “I’m ready for the challenge ahead and can’t wait to get started.

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“I would like to thank Nick Montgomery [Mariners manager] and the Central Coast Mariners for giving me the platform that led to this exciting next chapter in my life.”

Triantis helped the Mariners win the A-League Grand Final by defeating Melbourne City on Sunday in what has turned out to be his final game for the club. He played 26 times for the Mariners last season and was included in the A-League Team of the Season.

Triantis will play for his country’s U23 side in the Maurice Revello Tournament, which is currently under way in Toulon, before heading to Wearside. Australia’s U23 side is managed by former Middlesbrough and Leeds United defender Tony Vidmar who, speaking before the transfer was confirmed, said Sunderland would be getting a ‘bargain’ if they signed Triantis.

“Nectarios now, even in early camps with the 20s joining with Trevor [Morgan, Australia U20 boss], having a look at those players and then also seeing how he’s performed this season, it hasn’t surprised me,” Vidmar told ESPN Australia. “I felt that the opportunity that he’s been given by Central Coast Mariners to play every week and cement himself in that starting eleven was always going to be challenging.

“But he has all the attributes to be a very good central defender. He never shirks a tackle, is a tough, tough guy in those one-on-one situations and is a player who’s very comfortable on the ball.

“I think he’s a team-mate that you want in and amongst your group, he comes out as a fantastic individual, and that’s what you want. He’s very well rounded.

“If Sunderland do sign him I think they’ve got a bargain there.”