And Sunderland have much work to do following the club’s retained list.
It was announced that Max Power, Grant Leadbitter, Josh Scowen and Callum McFadzean amongst others were set to leave the Stadium of Light.
Denver Hume and Luke O’Nien are weighing up contract offers whilst loanee Dion Sanderson has returned to Wolves.
That means Sunderland will likely look to strengthen in defence.
Here, we take a look at the free agent options available to Lee Johnson.
Denver Hume and Luke O’Nien are weighing up contract offers whilst loanee Dion Sanderson has returned to Wolves.
5. Tommy Elphick
The 33-year-old defender has tonnes of League One and Championship experience with Brighton, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Huddersfield Town. He is now a free agent following his release. Photo: Nathan Stirk
Rotherham have confirmed that Clark Robertson will be leaving the club at the end of his contract. Interestingly, Sunderland have already been linked with a deal for the 27-year-old defender but face competition from Aberdeen. Photo: Mike Hewitt
Given his age (just 21-years-old), Geraldo Bajrami could provide an interesting option to clubs following his release from Birmingham City. The Albania youth international lacks first-team experience though. Photo: George Wood
The 34-year-old veteran has just departed Millwall but has Championship experience. Could he prove to be a safe pair of hands for Sunderland? Possibly but the Black Cats may be looking to younger talent. Photo: Marc Atkins