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:
21. Luis Hemir - Summer of 2028
The Portuguese striker, 20, signed a five-year contract on Wearside when he arrived from Portuguese club Benfica in 2023. Photo: Frank Reid
22. Leo Hjelde - Summer of 2028
Hjelde, 20, signed a four-and-a-half-year deal when he joined Sunderland from Leeds United in January. Photo: Frank Reid
23. Jenson Seelt - Summer of 2028
Seelt, 21, signed a five-year contract at Sunderland when he joined the club from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for an undisclosed fee last year. Photo: SAFC
24. Timothee Pembele - Summer of 2028
Following Lynden Gooch’s move to Stoke, Sunderland signed 21-year-old right-back Pembele on a five-year deal from PSG for an undisclosed fee. Photo: FRANK REID