Sunderland have a host of key contract decisions to make this summer and in 2027.
The transfer window might be firmly closed, but the work will continue behind the scenes for Sunderland’s recruitment staff.
The Black Cats have a clutch of players whose contracts expire this summer, while there are others in the final 18 months of their deals. Some are key first-teamers and important squad members, while others are merely on the fringes and likely to leave soon. Here’s a round-up of the current situation, to iron out who could depart the Stadium of Light for free as early as this summer.
Which players could leave Sunderland for free this summer?
Simon Moore (goalkeeper, end of contract)
Bertrand Traore (winger, end of contract)
Lutsharel Geertruida (full-back, loan from RB Leipzig)
Dennis Cirkin (full-back, end of contract)
Dan Neil (midfielder, end of contract)
Harrison Jones (midfielder, end of contract)
Loanee Lutsharel Geertruida’s deal is up in the summer, and it remains unclear whether or not he’ll return to the Stadium of Light on a permanent basis - though that seems more unlikely following Liverpool’s shock January interest. Bertrand Traore only signed for Sunderland on a one-year contract, and while he’s first among players at the club with 100+ minutes for successful dribbles per 90 (2) and second overall (14), he’s been a bit-part player at best, with his inconsistency making it unlikely that his contract will be extended.
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Dan Neil left on loan for Ipswich Town in January, and despite his popularity among supporters, the academy graduate is already confirmed to be leaving the club this summer.
While Harrison Jones and Simon Moore will surely leave, the future remains uncertain for Dennis Cirkin. The left-back was an important player in Sunderland’s promotion effort, but has played just seven times across all competitions this season. However, an academy graduate at 23 years old, he offers cheap depth and the potential to further improve. The question will be whether or not he’s willing to stick around as a back-up option, or go to pastures new in search of more regular minutes.
Which Sunderland players have 18 months left on their contracts?
There are four other players in the Sunderland squad whose contracts expire in the summer of 2027. Most prominent are the situations of defenders Reinildo Mandava and Luke O’Nien. The former has been ever-present when fit and available at left-back since joining from Atletico Madrid last summer, and even though he turns 33 next season, he’ll expect an extension on current form. As for the latter, he was a key part of Sunderland’s promotion campaign and is a club stalwart, but has played just 21 minutes of Premier League football this season. He may well seek an exit in the summer if his situation doesn’t improve. Ian Poveda and Abdoullah Ba are the other players whose deals end in the summer of 2027, but Sunderland will likely look to move them out long before then.
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