'Very talented' Scotland starlet pens new long-term deal at EFL club and makes 'next step' transfer

Sutherland, who has been tipped for future international honours with Scotland, put pen to paper on a new two-year contract at Molineux, with an option of a further year, after impressing for the club’s academy side last season, where he scored five goals and assisted a further nine in the English Premier League 2.

The 20-year-old began his footballing journey in Rangers’ academy before signing for St Mirren, where he made his senior debut as a substitute in a 1–0 loss to Montrose in the Scottish League Cup aged just 17. Viewed as one of Scotland’s top young talents, he was snapped up by Wolves in the summer of 2024 for a reported fee of £300,000.

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Capped at various youth levels by the national team, Sutherland was born to a Scottish father and a Zimbabwean mother, meaning he is also eligible for the latter, but has been part of the Scotland Under-21 squad in recent months. However, he is yet to make an appearance.

Capable of playing anywhere down the left-wing, he was heavily praised by Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson during the pair’s time at St Mirren upon his move to the Midlands, with the Northern Irish boss admitting he wasn’t surprised Sutherland had been snapped up by a then-English Premier League club, saying: “He is a very talented boy. It’s a brilliant move for him to a fantastic club, and Wolves have got a player with a lot of potential.

“When I first came into the club there were people thinking twice about keeping him on but with his ability and raw talent it was imperative that we kept him and developed him. It's credit to the academy staff and now the first-team staff that have strengthened him. We wish him nothing but good luck."

After two strong seasons in the Wolves academy, the young left wing-back will get his first real taste of senior football after being snapped up by promotion hopefuls Exeter City, who have confirmed the arrival of the Scottish youngster on a season-long loan deal. Sutherland will go straight into the squad for tonight’s Devon derby against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park, which is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports.

“Ethan is an exciting young talent who will provide competition for places down our left side,” said Grecians manager Matt Taylor. “He has a fantastic left foot and will be an asset for us, particularly with his ability to deliver from dead-ball situations. Ethan is young and there is still a lot for him to learn.

“He will need to continue to develop physically, but we’re excited that Wolves have trusted us to help with that development during his loan spell. He’s a player with a lot of potential and we’re looking forward to working with him and helping him take the next step in his career. Ethan will go straight into the matchday squad for tonight’s game.”