Duncan Watmore discusses his Sunderland contract situation - and reveals why his summer plans have quickly changed

With the Black Cats’ season highly unlikely to be concluded by the end of June following the outbreak of COVID-19, it places them – and practically every other club in the footballing pyramid – in a difficult situation regarding player contracts.

FIFA have established a working group to try and establish a solution, and Watmore feels the mooted solution of automatically extending all deals until when the playing season is over would be a logical compromise.

But the Sunderland man admits it is difficult to look beyond the short-term given the current uncertainty across all aspects of the game and everyday life.

Indeed, recently the 26-year-old’s focus has been on comforting an upset fiancee after the pair saw their summer wedding plans shelved.

“My wedding looks like it's going to be canceled, which Sophie has been a bit upset about so I've been dealing with that,” said Watmore, speaking to the Ornstein & Chapman Podcast.

“In terms of the contract, I think it is an interesting situation.

“I think about half the Sunderland squad are out of contract on June 30 so I don't know how that's going to get resolved.

“I think it might just be a case of FIFA just bumping them along for a couple of months to complete the season, and if that's what happens then I'm sure it'll work well for everyone.

“But there's so much uncertainty around the whole world at the moment that you can't really be making predictions or planning for things - you've just got to deal with it on a day-by-day basis I suppose.”

The PFA are also working on solutions for players in precarious positions and it was suggested that Watmore – who has a degree in Economics – could provide a helping hand.

“I feel like there’s many more qualified people than me in the world to make these decisions,” he replied.

“But if anyone was to approach me and ask my opinion, I would give it.”