Sunderland are still looking to strengthen their squad before the end of the transfer window - while decisions will also have to be made regarding players already at the club.
While the Black Cats have agreed new deals with several of their younger players over the last year, there are multiple members of the senior group who have entered the final 12 months of their contracts.
Some of those may leave Wearside this summer, yet many remain a big part of Tony Mowbray’s plans for the 2023/24 campaign.
Here are Sunderland’s nine senior players whose contracts are set to expire next summer as things stand:
5. Luke O’Nien
O’Nien is into his sixth season at Sunderland and remains a key player after making over 200 appearances for the club. The 28-year-old signed a three-year contract in 2021 so has entered the final 12 months of that deal. Photo: Frank Reid
6. Patrick Roberts
Like Gooch, Roberts signed a two-year contract at Sunderland following the club’s promotion from League One a year ago. The 26-year-old was a key player for the Black Cats in the Championship last season, and has started the first two games of this campaign, but is yet to be offered a new deal on Wearside. Photo: Frank Reid
7. Corry Evans
Evans’ contract was set to expire at the end of last season, yet the club agreed a one-year extension - with a club option of a further year. The 33-year-old is still recovering from an ACL injury he suffered in January, while Mowbray has said the midfielder could return around the festive period this year. Photo: Frank Reid
8. Bradley Dack
Sunderland managed to sign Dack on a free transfer after the 29-year-old was released by Blackburn at the end of last season. The playmaker signed an initial one-year deal with the Black Cats, with a club option of a further year. Photo: Frank Reid