When does the League One transfer window open? The rules and key dates revealed as Sunderland begin summer rebuild

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Head coach Lee Johnson and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman have a big job on their hands with several players leaving Wearside this month.

The departing party included Max Power and Grant Leadbitter alongside Callum McFadzean, Josh Scowen and Chris Maguire.

Conor McLaughlin and goalkeeper Remi Matthews were also amongst those to leave.

Charlie Wyke, Luke O’Nien, Denver Hume and Aiden McGeady have all been offered fresh terms at the Stadium of Light

And ahead of their first moves in the transfer window, we take a look at all the key details and dates Sunderland fans will need to remember:

When does the 2021 summer transfer window open?

The EFL window will run from Wednesday, June 9 until 11pm on Tuesday, August 31.

The transfer window for the Championship, League One and League Two will run at the same time as the Premier League.

What deals can be done during the January transfer window?

Sunderland will be able to complete both permanent and loan deals during the summer transfer window.

The Black Cats can also sign free agents should they so wish.

What should we expect from Sunderland in the summer?

It is expected to be a particularly busy window for Sunderland.

The club needs to replace the outgoing Maguire, Leadbitter and Power in midfield.

In truth, though, Sunderland could do with bodies all over the pitch.

Loanees Dion Sanderson and Jake Vokins have returned to Wolves and Southampton respectively.

That leaves injury-prone defenders Jordan Willis, Tom Flanagan, Bailey Wright and Arbenit Xhemajli.

In the full-back position, Johnson is left with just O’Nien and Hume, who have yet to sign new deals and could potentially leave this summer.

Will Grigg and George Dobson could also depart having returned from loans with MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon.

Rangers loanee Jordan Jones has also returned to Ibrox – although he is being linked with a return to Wearside – leaving Sunderland shirt in attacking areas.

Sunderland Youngsters Anthony Patterson, Oli Younger, Dan Neil and Benji Kimpioka may find themselves out on loan in order to gain further first-team experience.

When will the 2021-22 League One fixtures be released?

The fixtures for the 2021-22 League One season will be revealed at 9am on Thursday, June 24.

When is the 2021-22 League One season expected start and end?

The EFL campaign will get started on Saturday, August 7, 2021.

The League One season will finish on the weekend earlier on April 30, 2022.

The League Two campaign will end on May 7 and the Championship on May 8.

The League One play-off final will be held on Saturday, May 21.

When will the Carabao Cup start during the 2021-22 season?

Round one of the Carabao Cup will commence the week beginning August 9.

In the highly unlikely event that Sunderland get there, the Carabao Cup final will take place on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at Wembley Stadium.

When will Sunderland enter the FA Cup during the 2021-22 season?

Sunderland will enter the first round proper of the FA Cup sometime in November with the FA yet to confirm a firm date.

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