Sunderland will play in the Championship next season after losing their play-off semi-final with planning already taking place ahead of the next campaign.
The Black Cats have managed to agree long-term deals with several of their younger players, meaning they won’t have many immediate contract decisions to make this summer.
But as Sunderland look to strengthen in the upcoming transfer market, there will inevitably be outgoings as well.
We’ve taken a closer look at the players who are set to leave the Stadium of Light – as things stand – as well as others who could depart:
We’ve taken a closer look at the players who are set to leave the Stadium of Light – as things stand – as well as others who could depart:
5. Edouard Michut - Set to leave (club option to sign)
The French midfielder is only on loan at Sunderland until the end of the season, yet the Black Cats do have an option to make the deal permanent. It’s been reported Sunderland can sign the 20-year-old for a fee around €2.5 million, which appears good value given Michut’s recent form. However, the Frenchman appears to have said he goodbyes on social media. Photo: Clive Mason
Wright has a year left on his Sunderland contract after joining Rotherham on loan in January. The 30-year-old centre-back was an important player in Sunderland’s promotion campaign but may leave permanently to gain more regular game time. Wright is now back on Wearside after an injury seriously hampered his time with the Millers. Photo: Nathan Stirk
Since joining the club from Everton in January, the 22-year-old has made just a couple of senior appearances. Earlier in the campaign, Tony Mowbray did admit that the defender may leave on loan next season to play more senior football. Photo: Jeremy Ng
Several clubs have been tracking the striker, who is approaching the final 12 months of his Sunderland contract. Stewart’s season-ending injury may cool interest from elsewhere, though, as the 26-year-old targets a pre-season return. Photo: Stu Forster