Sunderland are already preparing for the 2024/25 season – with in and outgoings this summer inevitably set to occur.
The Black Cats have confirmed a handful of first-team players will leave the club following the end of their contracts this month, while decisions will be made on potential outgoings – either on loan or permanently. Sunderland may also have to fend off interest in some of their key players amid interest from top-flight clubs.
We’ve taken a closer look at the players who are set to leave the Stadium of Light this summer – as well as others who could depart:
17. Eliezer Mayenda - Could leave (on loan)
Mayenda showed flashes of his ability during his first-team appearances for Sunderland but remains raw. The 19-year-old struggled for game time after joining Hibernian on loan. Sunderland will have to decide if another loan move is best for the youngster next season, or whether it's more beneficial for him to stay on Wearside. Photo: Frank Reid
18. Elliot Embleton - Could go
After an extremely frustrating 18 months full of injury setbacks, Embleton will hope to prove his fitness during pre-season. The 25-year-old midfielder has shown he can be a very useful asset for Sunderland, yet he will need to play regularly, which may lead to another move away either on loan or permanently. Embleton is also heading into the final year of his contract on Wearside. Photo: Frank Reid
19. Joe Anderson - Could leave
Even when Sunderland were short of defensive options last season, the 23-year-old wasn't handed a first-team start. Anderson wasn't always been a regular starter during a loan spell at League One side Shrewsbury and is unlikely to receive many opportunities when he returns to Wearside. Photo: Jeremy Ng