At the end of the 2020/21 season Sunderland announced they would be releasing several first-team players, while confirming that talks would take place with Charlie Wyke, Aiden McGeady, Luke O’Nien and Denver Hume.
Several other clubs in League One want to hold discussions with some of their players who are out of contract, yet interest from elsewhere could prompt them to move on.
Some players are already looking for new clubs after being told they won’t be offered new deals, and there looks set to be plenty of movement in the transfer market in the coming weeks.
We’ve put together a starting XI of players who played for League One clubs during the 2020/21 season who are set to be out of contract this summer – including players who will depart and are still in talks over a new contract.
1. GK: Craig MacGillivray
After joining Pompey from Shrewsbury in 2018, MacGillivray has been the club's first-choice goalkeeper for most of his time at Fratton Park. Portsmouth are said to be in talks with the 28-year-old but the keeper over a new deal. Photo: Mike Hewitt
2. RB: Adam Matthews
Since leaving Sunderland in 2019, Matthews, 29, has spent two years at Chalton. The Addicks seemingly want to keep the 29-year-old yet his future remains unclear. Photo: Jacques Feeney
3. CB: Luke O'Nien
O'Nien may have joined Sunderland as a central midfielder yet his versatility has been a big asset for the Black Cats. The 26-year-old performed excellently in the heart of defence earlier this year but is yet to sign a new deal at the Stadium of Light. Photo: Pete Norton
4. CB: Akinwale Odimayo
After joining Swindon last summer, the 21-year-old made 30 League One appearances last season. The central defender has been offered a new deal but needs to find more consistancy to become a first-team regular. Some of hos performances have led to reported interest from Championship clubs. Photo: Pete Norton