Ex-Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole released by VVV Venlo as financial pressures mount

The 32-year-old joined the Eredivise outfit at the start of the 2019/20 campaign having cut-short his stay at the Stadium of Light.

But with the Dutch top flight season having been brought to an early end and no firm return date set for football in the country, clubs are now having to make savings across the board.

Earlier this week, VVV Venlo players and staff agreed to take a temporary wage cut – and the club have now announced that Cattermole’s contract will not be extended.

Speaking to VVV Live, technical director Stan Valckx confirmed that the ex-Sunderland man would become a free agent due partly to financial pressure.

But Valckx also claimed that Cattermole had become ‘redundant’ in the club’s footballing plans.

The central midfielder made 11 appearances for VVV, but admitted last month that his future looked uncertain.

“I really don’t know [if his time in the Eredivisie is over],” he said, speaking to talkSPORT.

“I signed a one-year contract which came about very late with me leaving Sunderland in July. I initially wanted it to be a one-year thing but I think the next two or three months are going to be a bit crazy for everyone. I’ve got to keep fit and positive and hopefully an opportunity comes up which I want to do, whether that’s here [UK] or there.”