Sunderland are still searching for a new head coach – with the new boss set to take charge of a large playing squad at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats have announced that several senior and academy players will leave the club following the end of their contracts this month, including captain Corry Evans and Bradley Dack. Sunderland academy graduates Ellis Taylor and Jack Diamond will also depart this summer, while Sunderland still have an option to sign Callum Styles on a permanent deal from Barnsley following his loan spell on Wearside.
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 at the start of this season but suffered another serious injury setback. After returning to Sunderland, the midfielder then injured his ankle and missed the end of the season. It's hoped he'll be able to return for 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 just before Christmas and is set to be sidelined for the rest of this year. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Alex Bass - Summer of 2025
Bass signed a three-year deal, with a club option of an additional year, when he joined Sunderland from Portsmouth in 2022. The 25-year-old joined League Two side AFC Wimbledon on loan last summer and is set to return to Wearside. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Chris Rigg - Summer of 2025
Despite interest from Newcastle and Manchester United, Rigg, 16, signed a two-year scholarship contract at Sunderland last year. FA rules mean Rigg can’t sign a professional contract until after his 17th birthday on June 18. Photo: Frank Reid