And Sunderland have much work to do following the club’s retained list.
Denver Hume and Luke O’Nien are weighing up contract offers whilst loanee Dion Sanderson has returned to Wolves.
It was announced that Max Power, Grant Leadbitter, Josh Scowen amongst others were set to leave the Stadium of Light.
That means Sunderland will likely look to strengthen in midfield.
Here, we take a look at the free agent options available to Lee Johnson.
1. Brad Binns
The 19-year-old midfielder has just been released by Barnsley and could provide an option for Sunderland's U23s. Photo: George Wood
2. Billy Bodin
The former Preston attacking midfielder is now a free agent and has experience in League One with Bristol Rovers. Photo: JASON CAIRNDUFF
3. Lewis Holtby
The former Tottenham man was once dubbed as the next big midfield sensation but has just been let go by Championship club Blackburn Rovers. He will likely have offers higher up than Sunderland, however. Photo: Clive Brunskill
4. Alex Pritchard
The 28-year-old midfielder has left Huddersfield Town and is available on a free transfer this summer. With Championship and Premier League experience, however, he may see Sunderland as too far of a drop down. Photo: Tony Marshall