Sunderland face major contract calls with eight deals up in 2026 | OneFootball

Sunderland have significant decisions to make as eight first-team contracts are due to expire in summer 2026.

According to Sunderland Echo, work is continuing behind the scenes during a two-week break. The Black Cats won the Tyne-Wear derby at St James Park last weekend, Brian Brobbey scoring late to seal a league double over Newcastle and move them within three points of the top seven and a further three off the top five.

Seven matches remain, with home games against Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Chelsea, plus trips to Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton. Regis Le Bris is seeking to become only the second Sunderland manager to reach Europe, and the first since Bob Stokoe in 1973.

A recent boost saw Dan Ballard sign a new long-term contract earlier this month. Attention now turns to those whose deals end next summer.

The 2026 cohort comprises Simon Moore, Bertrand Traore, Lutsharel Geertruida on loan, Dennis Cirkin, Harrison Jones, Niall Huggins, Zak Johnson and Dan Neil, some currently out on loan.

Further expiries include 2027 for Reinildo Mandava, Luke O’Nien and Abdoullah Ba, 2028 for Granit Xhaka and Romaine Mundle, 2029 for Nordi Mukiele and Brian Brobbey, and 2030 for Trai Hume, Simon Adingra, Habib Diarra and Dan Ballard.

Source: Sunderland Echo