---
title: "Sunderland: Black Cats agree deal for Daniel Ballard"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-agree-deal-arsenal-daniel-ballard-transfer-news/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Will Seager"
section: "Championship News"
published: "2022-06-29T16:15:36Z"
modified: "2022-06-29T16:15:36Z"
---

# Sunderland: Black Cats agree deal for Daniel Ballard

**[Sunderland](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-afc-news/) have agreed a deal to sign young defender Daniel Ballard, according to reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke.**

### **The Lowdown: Championship experience**

The 22-year-old Arsenal man enjoyed a successful loan spell in the [Championship](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/championship-news/) last season after joining [Millwall](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/daniel-ballard/profil/spieler/503686) for the year.

The centre-back made [30 league appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/daniel-ballard/leistungsdaten/spieler/503686) for the Lions; with the total expected to have been far higher if it wasn’t for undergoing knee surgery halfway through the campaign.

According to [WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/192/Show/England-Millwall), the Arsenal loanee was Millwall’s fourth best player all season, having averaged an impressive 6.93 match rating.

The defender [averaged](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/192/Show/England-Millwall) 1.9 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 3.4 clearances and 0.6 blocks per game, gaining valuable experience playing in the Championship.

### **The Latest: O’Rourke’s news**

O’Rourke has revealed the next chapter in Ballard’s footballing career. Taking to [Twitter](https://twitter.com/SportsPeteO/status/1542149825604509696), the journalist claimed:

“Understand Sunderland have agreed a deal for Arsenal and Northern Ireland defender Daniel Ballard. #safc #afc #Arsenal

“Ballard has completed a medical at the Stadium of Light and is set to sign a four-year deal with Sunderland. #SAFC #AFC”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”398290″\]

### **The Verdict: Great signing**

With Alex Neil’s side preparing for life in the Championship, the 22-year-old’s arrival would add second tier experience to the Black Cats’ back-line.

Having already made [ten international appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/daniel-ballard/leistungsdaten/spieler/503686) for Northern Ireland, the defender is clearly highly rated, yet he has never been given a chance with Arsenal’s first-team, perhaps explaining why he is so keen to get out and impress.

\[freshpress-poll id=”401255″\]

Dubbed a ‘huge talent’ by [Northern Irish press](https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/05/25/arsenal-daniel-ballard/), the former Millwall loanee looks to be a brilliant signing for Sunderland.