Sunderland announce retained list as summer revamp gets underway

It leaves Sunderland with just one senior goalkeeper on the books, in the shape of last season’s player of the year – Jon McLaughlin.

A total of seven players have been released by the Black Cats including full-back Matthews, winger Luke Molyneux plus goalkeepers Stryjek and Robbin Ruiter.

Molyneux and Ruiter had already confirmed their departures on social media, with the winger in line to join Hartlepool United. He had a loan spell at the Super 6 Stadium last season.

Stryjek’s departure is a surprise given he was open to staying on Wearside but had expressed a desire to play more games, and he will now have to find a new club and Sunderland will be looking to add new goalkeepers to their ranks as a priority.

One name linked is former Middlesbrough and Hartlepool United keeper Dimi Konstantopoulos, though at the age of 40 the free agent would only be a short-term option.

The futures of Dylan McGeouch and Reece James remain up in the air despite being on the list of retained players. They both have an option for a second year and are yet to commit.

Under-23 players Max Johnstone, Connor Shields and Alex Storey will also depart.

A spokesman said: “SAFC would like to wish each of the players leaving the club the very best for the future.”

Academy product Elliot Embleton has been offered a new deal but as reported by the Echo, there are serious doubts over whether he will pen a new contract.

Players aged over 24 as of 30 June 2019 who have been retained:

Jack BaldwinLee CattermoleTom FlanaganWill GriggGeorge HoneymanReece JamesGrant LeadbitterGlenn LoovensDonald LoveChris MaguireAiden McGeadyDylan McGeouchJon McLaughlinLuke O’NienBryan OviedoAlim OzturkMax PowerDuncan WatmoreCharlie Wyke

Players aged under 24 as of 30 June 2019 who have been retained or have a contract offer pending:

Jack BainbridgeLee ConnellyJack ConnollyJack DiamondElliot EmbletonOwen GambleLynden GoochJake HackettDenver HumeJordan HunterBenji KimpiokaBali MumbaEthan RobsonBrandon TaylorJacob Young