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:
5. Dennis Cirkin - Summer of 2026
The 22-year-old signed a contract extension at Sunderland last year, meaning his current deal will run until the summer of 2026. Photo: Frank Reid
6. Dan Neil - Summer of 2026
Sunderland remain hopeful they can agree a new contract with Neil, who recently turned down an opening offer from the club. The 22-year-old’s current deal will run until the summer of 2026. Photo: Frank Reid
7. Jay Matete - Summer of 2026
The 23-year-old signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Sunderland in January 2022. After missing the first part of the 2023/24 season with a knee injury, Matete joined League One side Oxford on loan in January. His campaign was then cut short by another injury setback, yet available again for pre-season. Photo: Frank Reid
8. Joe Anderson - Summer of 2026
Anderson signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light, with a club option of a further year, when he joined the Black Cats from Everton in January last year. The 23-year-old defender spent the 2023/24 out on loan at League One side Shrewsbury. Photo: Ian Horrocks