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:
9. 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 this 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 it's hoped he'll be able to return for pre-season. Photo: Frank Reid
10. 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: Jeremy Ng
11. Jack Clarke - Summer of 2026
Sunderland have turned down offers for Clarke over the last two transfer windows. The 23-year-old joined The Black Cats permanently on a four-year deal from Tottenham in 2022. Photo: Frank Reid
12. Jewison Bennette - Summer of 2026
The 19-year-old winger signed a four-year deal, with a club option of a further year, at Sunderland when he joined the club from Costa Rican side Herediano in 2022. Bennette joined Greek side Aris FC on loan in January but made just two appearances for the club. Photo: Frank Reid