Sunderland Women confirm three player exits ahead of summer transfer window

Sunderland women have confirmed the departure of three senior players from the squad this summer as they continue to step up preparations for next season.

Liz Ejupi, Mollie Rouse and Faye Mullen are all confirmed to be leaving the club after their contracts expired.

Rouse’s departure had not been anticipated ahead of the season’s conclusion. After signing from Turbine Potsdam last summer, Rouse went on to establish herself as a regular in Mel Reay’s midfield, but has now opted to pursue a new opportunity in the USA and has joined USL Super League side Spokane Zephyr. Ejupi had also been a key part of Reay’s side over the last two years following her move from Durham Women, though she did enjoy fewer starts in the second half of last season as Emily Scarr produced an outstanding run of performances.

Mullen has been at the club for 11 years but leaves having recently recovered from a major injury. Head coach Reay is looking to strengthen the squad as a result of the departures but has already made clear that she is not expecting as major a rebuild this summer as the club looks to consolidate and build on last season’s excellent third-placed finish. New contracts for Scarr, Jessica Brown, Megan Borthwick and Megan Beer have already been announced, with Reay confident that the club can keep and build on the core of last season’s squad.