11 players who will probably leave Sunderland this summer, 13 who’ll stay and 11 undecided
It could be a busy summer on Wearside as a number of clubs eye Sunderland’s top talents
Sunderland head into the final stretch of the Championship campaign still firmly in contention for promotion, whether that be automatically or via the play-offs.
It poses an interesting challenge for the club’s hierarchy, who will have to plot a way forward for two different divisions in what will be a vital summer either way. So what does the squad for next season currently look like, and how might that be impacted by the conclusion of the campaign? We take a closer look here..
The 13 Sunderland players who currently look likely to stay at the club this summer
Mayenda is enjoying an excellent campaign, firmly establishing himself as a first-team player with an eye-catching record of goal contributions. That will inevitably lead to interest from elsewhere but he will still have three years to run on his current contract this summer. It would be no surprise if Sunderland look to reward his progress with fresh terms. Mayenda is emerging as a real gem of a player and will be a massive part of Sunderland’s planning into next season and beyond.
Wilson Isidor
Isidor converted his loan deal from Xenit into a permanent during the January window, giving both player and club stability and security heading into the run-in. Various reports have suggested there are top-tier clubs lining up to sign Isidor if Sunderland don’t win promotion, which of course they still have every chance of doing. Even if they don’t, Isidor’s commitment to the club is obvious and it would be a major shock were he to depart.
Simon Moore
Moore signed a two-year contract last summer and has been an excellent addition so far. Dependable when called upon, and an experienced figure in a young dressing room. Sunderland will be thrilled with how he’s settled in and you’d think would be very happy for him to stay around as a key part of the goalkeeping group next season.
Niall Huggins
Huggins extended his deal earlier this season, in order to give him additional security to recover from what was a major knee injury. It’s not yet clear whether he’ll play again this season and the key will be to try and be ready to start pre-season. If he can manage that, he’ll be in a position to try and start pushing his way into contention for selection.
Luke O’Nien
O’Nien will enter the final year of his current contract next season, but crucially the Black Cats have an option to extend automatically. The versatile defender just keeps getting better and it’s almost impossible to imagine a Sunderland squad without him.
Jenson Seelt
Sunderland are encouraged by Seelt’s progress in his recovery from a major knee injury, and feel he will be stronger and more powerful as a result of the work he’s done while sidelined. It might be tough for him to make a big impact this season given the length of time out but he’ll hope to try and really stake a claim in pre-season.
Aji Alese
Alese has played very well when available this season and clearly has the capacity to be a key player. Injuries have again impacted his progress but Sunderland expect him to be fit to start pre-season. Under contract until the summer of 2027, they will be expecting him to be an important part of their defensive group next season.
Alan Browne
Browne signed a three-year contract when joining the club in the summer and his experience could make him an important part of the plans next season.
Patrick Roberts
Roberts will enter their final year of his contract next season but Sunderland have the option to extend for a further season. Has been a regular for so long and hard not to imagine him as part of the squad for the next campaign regardless of how this one ends.
Milan Aleksic
Sunderland have been gradually integrating Aleksic into a new club and division this season. There have been promising signs in his cameo appearances and the hope will be that he is ready to play a big part next season, particularly if one or two midfielders depart this summer – which has to be considered a real possibility.
Ahmed Abdullahi
Abdullahi has been unable to make his senior debut this season as he deals with a long-standing groin issue, but Sunderland hope he can be an important part of their striking group next season.
Ian Poveda
Poveda is really struggling to make an impact on Wearside, with persistent injury issues meaning he is still yet to make a league start. He is just one year into a three-year deal, however, and a full pre-season could make a big difference.
Dan Ballard
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