Sunderland have allowed Jack Diamond to join League One Lincoln City on loan for the remainder of the season. The 22-year-old academy graduate has been constantly linked with a loan move away from Wearside since the summer, but previous boss Alex Neil was waiting to see how the club's transfer business developed before making a decision.
But less than 24 hours after Neil's departure to take over at Stoke City was confirmed last night, Sunderland have decided to loan him out to the Imps. Diamond had spent two of the last three seasons on loan at Harrogate Town, helping the club win promotion from the National League in 2020 and then going back there last season in League Two.
"It's great to get it over the line," said Diamond, of his move to Sincil Bank. "The whole process has been a long time coming and I can't wait to get started.
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"I've played a full season last year with Harrogate and need that consistency to keep pushing myself in my career - this club is a great platform to do it. The facilities here are really good and hopefully I'll fit in well and help progress my career further.
"I'm direct, work very hard and like to get goals and assists. I'm keen to improve all of the time and, having spoken to everyone here, I'm confident I can do that."
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: "Jack did really well in League Two [with Harrogate] and he has continued to progress with us throughout pre-season, so the natural step for him now is to demonstrate the same levels of performance and consistency in League One. We look forward to supporting Jack in that endeavour and working closely with Lincoln, who have an excellent track record of managing and developing young players."
Diamond is ineligible for Lincoln's Carabao Cup second round tie at Barnsley tomorrow night after playing for Sunderland in the competition at Sheffield Wednesday earlier this month, but he could make his Imps' debut in their League One game at Cambridge United on Saturday. Aside from that 90 minute Carabao Cup outing for Sunderland at Hillsborough, his only other appearance for the Black Cats this term saw him play the final four minutes as a sub at Sheffield United in the Championship.
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