Sunderland’s official retained list is expected soon, but some expected exits may still appear as retained
Sunderland’s full retained list is expected to be released within the next week or so - but The Echo understands there may be some important context around three names who are still expected to leave the club.
Harrison Jones, Timur Tutierov and Zak Johnson are all expected to be listed as retained when Sunderland publish their official end-of-season update. That may create some confusion, given previous reporting around their futures, but it does not necessarily mean they are part of the club’s long-term plans.
The Echo understands the situation remains that all three players are expected to move on this summer. However, rather than being released with no future value attached, Sunderland are understood to be looking to protect the club’s position. That means the trio are not necessarily expected to leave straight away, but the expectation remains that departures will follow.
A small fee and/or sell-on clause could be attached to any potential exits, allowing Sunderland to retain some future benefit if the players go on to progress elsewhere. In practical terms, that is why they are expected to appear on the retained list despite their long-term futures lying away from the Stadium of Light.
Jones has been attracting interest from League One, League Two and Scotland ahead of an expected departure. The local midfielder is highly regarded around the Academy of Light and has been around Sunderland’s senior setup during a hugely successful period for the club, but the Black Cats’ promotion to the Premier League has inevitably changed the pathway picture for several young players. Tutierov and Johnson are also expected to move on as Sunderland reshape parts of their academy and development group this summer.
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