Sunderland have been 'linked' with a double transfer deal - here's everything you need to know in 90 seconds...
Sunderland have a host of players whose contracts or loans end next summer.
Sunderland enjoyed a busy summer transfer market and as a result, they’ve made an excellent start to life back in the Premier League.
The Black Cats are fourth with 19 points on the board after 11 games, most recently equalising late on to earn a 2-2 draw at home to leaders Arsenal. Three of their last four Premier League goals have been scored by summer arrivals, as well as five of 14 overall. With that in mind - not to mention the excellent form of goalkeeper Robin Roefs - it’s clear that Sunderland’s summer activity has gone a long way toward re-establishing them as a force at the highest level of the English game.
But there’s plenty more business to be done at the Stadium of Light, including more January moves, before turning attention to next summer’s transfer window. The latter could also see a number of players depart the club at the end of their contracts.
Dan Neil’s contract is due to expire next summer.placeholder image
Dan Neil’s contract is due to expire next summer. | Getty Images
Who could leave Sunderland for free in 2026?
At present, no fewer than 10 Sunderland players have contracts due to expire next summer, or loans that will end once the season is concluding, with more permanent arrangements needing to be found.
Most notably, these include defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who is on loan from RB Leipzig, and midfielder Dan Neil, who has barely seen the pitch this season despite playing such a big role in the promotion campaign. Here is the full list of players who could depart for free next summer, according to Transfermarkt:
Simon Moore (goalkeeper, end of contract)
Bertrand Traore (winger, end of contract)
Lutsharel Geertruida (full-back, loan from RB Leipzig)
Joe Anderson (centre-back, end of contract)
Jay Matete (midfielder, end of contract)
Dennis Cirkin (full-back, end of contract)
Dan Neil (midfielder, end of contract)
Blondy Nna Noukeu (goalkeeper, end of contract)
Zak Johnson (centre-back, end of contract)
Harrison Jones (midfielder, end of contract)
In addition to the above, Sunderland have six players whose contracts expire in the summer of 2027, including Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo and Luke O’Nien.
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What next for Sunderland?
Sunderland go into the international break off the back of consecutive home draws against Everton and Arsenal, meaning they’ve lost just one of their last nine Premier League matches and only two overall this season. Regis Le Bris’ men will look to cash in on an away trip to struggling Fulham when Premier League action returns, especially given they host in-form Bournemouth, travel to Liverpool and Manchester City, then host rivals Newcastle following the stop-off at Craven Cottage.
This could prove to be a season-defining period for the Black Cats, who will show whether or not they’re truly cut out to mix it at the top of the Premier League table.
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