‘Exciting summer ahead’ – Sunderland fans react to retained list as seven first team players are released

The club published its retained list on Tuesday, May 25, confirming that club captain Grant Leadbitter, Max Power, Chris Maguire, Conor McLaughlin Remi Matthews, Callum McFadzean and Josh Scowen will all depart the club when their contracts expire later next month.

Sunderland have also confirmed that they hope to retain Charlie Wyke, Luke O’Nien, Aiden McGeady and Denver Hume, all of whom have been offered fresh terms to extend their stay on Wearside. Youngster Ollie Younger is also under contract for another year.

Here’s how supporters reacted to the news…

@Jamestweddell: “Gutted to see Leadbitter and Maguire go for sentimental reasons, but the rest of that retained list looks right to me. Fingers crossed the four who have been offered new deals can get something agreed but who knows. Going to be a huge summer for this football club.”

@_JordanSimpson: “Happy with released list. Can’t be bothered with another season of Wyke up top, hope we don't sign Jones, hope Burge isn't gonna be no. 1, hope Gooch is just a squad player, and I hope O'Nien isn't going to be played at centre-mid.”

@samblakey_: “Not too surprising any of this. Sad about Maguire and Leadbitter but we’ve needed an overhaul for a while now.”

@RealJackNayak: “Massive overhaul was needed for us to be successful in the division...exciting summer ahead hopefully!”

@kevindefty1: “Hope Grant Leadbitter is moving onto our coaching setup.”

@Alex16793: “A bit disappointed with McLaughlin and Maguire but the rest I ain't surprised.”

@Safc85: “Agree with all of this. The club needs to move forward, let’s see where the summer takes us now. This is the clean slate we have wanted for a while, we can’t mess this up.”

@cameronflaws: “Only Maguire I would have kept out of those not been offered a new deal.”

@Riddler2493: “Sorry for McLaughlin, I thought he was our most improved player before injuries. Some others need to be sold on top of that retained list.”

@PHJM5: “7 released is the exact number of 1st choice players required inwards, 7 who can win us this league and also make the step up to Championship level. Bring on August.”

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