Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Fallout to released list as Lee Johnson plots summer rebuild
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Black Cats missed out on a fourth trip to Wembley in two years as they were knocked out in the play-off semi-final by Lincoln City in from of 10,000 supporters at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland managed to level the aggregate scores at 2-2 with two first-half goals but a second-half Lincoln strike cemented the Imps’ place in the final.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe result leaves Lee Johnson preparing The Black Cats for a fourth consecutive season in League One.
And on Tuesday evening, Sunderland’s retained list was confirmed with seven players being released and Denver Hume, Luke O’Nien, Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke set to be offered new deals.
We’ll also be on top of all the big stories from around the Stadium of Light and League One as they break throughout the morning and into the afternoon.
Sunderland AFC news LIVE (May 26)
Key Events
- Sunderland are preparing for another season of League One football
- The club published its retained list on Tuesday evening
- Seven first team players, including club captain Grant Leadbitter, will leave the club when their contracts expire next month
- Four players have also been offered new deals at the Stadium of Light
- We’ll have all the fallout from that and more in today’s SAFC live blog
Goooood morning!
Welcome to our Sunderland Echo SAFC live blog, bringing you the latest news and reaction from the Stadium of Light and across League One as it breaks throughout the day.
There’s plenty to discuss today following the announcement of Sunderland’s retained list as they prepare for a fourth season of League One football.
Refresh the page and scroll through our live blog to stay up to date...
Sunderland retained list in full
The following senior players are retained under contract:
Aiden O’Brien
Anthony Patterson
Arbenit Xhemajli
Bailey Wright
Benjamin Kimpioka
Carl Winchester
Dan Neil
Elliot Embleton
George Dobson
Jack Diamond
Jordan Willis
Josh Hawkes
Lee Burge
Lynden Gooch
Oliver Younger
Ross Stewart
Tom Flanagan
Will Grigg
The following senior players are to be offered a new contract:
Denver Hume
Luke O’Nien
Aiden McGeady
Charlie Wyke
The following senior players are to be released:
Callum McFadzean
Chris Maguire
Conor McLaughlin
Grant Leadbitter
Josh Scowen
Max Power
Remi Matthews
The following senior players have returned to their parent clubs:
Dion Sanderson
Jake Vokins
Jordan Jones
Here’s what Lee Johnson and Kristjaan Speakman had to say on the retained list...
Kristjaan Speakman, Sporting DirectorWe would like to place on record our appreciation to the players who will be leaving the club this summer. Although we have been unable to achieve our core objective, they were instrumental in bringing silverware back to Wearside and we wish each of them every success in the next stage of their careers. We have had to make some tough decisions, but we firmly believe they are in the best interests of Sunderland AFC in the long term.
Lee Johnson, Head CoachThe players have worked extremely hard this season in very difficult circumstances and their reward for that was a trophy-winning season and a Play-Off spot. We are all disappointed we couldn’t achieve our ultimate goal of winning League One, but we thank the players for their endeavours and commitment and we will always welcome them back to the football club with open arms. As we look to a new dawn, there are many reasons to be optimistic about our future as we continue to rebuild the football club.
Here’s how the squad is shaping-up ahead of a big summer transfer window...
There’s some big gaps to be filled in the squad!
It’s going to be a big summer for Sunderland’s under-23 side too
Sunderland’s under-23 side are set for a ‘big transition’ this summer, with a host of new additions eyed.
That’s according to coach Michael Proctor who says there will be a natural evolution of the club’s second string this summer.
The Black Cats’ under-23 side came agonisingly close to gaining promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1, but lost out on penalties to Crystal Palace in the promotion play-off final.
For some of those involved, it will have been their last game in red and white – while others may find themselves involved in the first-team squad next season.
And that means there will be some fresh faces arriving at the Academy of Light over the summer.