Sunderland are still searching for a new head coach – while the club are also trying to agree new contracts with some of their key players.
The Black Cats remain hopeful they can agree a new contract with midfielder Dan Neil, after the 22-year-old turned down an opening offer. There has also been Premier League interest in several Sunderland players, including teenager Chris Rigg, who can’t sign a professional deal until after his 17th birthday.
With several players also set to return from loan spells, here’s a list of the 29 players who have at least a year left on their Sunderland contracts and when their deals are set to expire:
1. Elliot Embleton - Summer of 2025
Embleton signed for Derby on loan last year but suffered another serious injury setback. After returning to Sunderland, the midfielder then injured his ankle and missed the end of the 2023/24 campaign. The 25-year-old is back in training and part of pre-season. Photo: Frank Reid
2. Niall Huggins - Summer of 2025
After getting back into Sunderland's starting XI, the 23-year-old full-back suffered another serious injury in December and is set to be sidelined for the rest of this year. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Luke O’Nien - Summer of 2026
O’Nien is heading into his seventh season at Sunderland and remains a key player for the club. The 29-year-old signed a new three-year deal last August, with a club option of a further year. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Patrick Roberts - Summer of 2026
Sunderland turned down a late bid from Southampton for the winger during last summer’s transfer window. The 27-year-old then signed a new deal with the Black Cats in November, which will run until the summer of 2026, with a club option of an extra year. Photo: Frank Reid