Eleanor Dale leaves Sunderland Women as Jess Brown signs new deal for 2026/27 | OneFootball

Sunderland Women have suffered a transfer setback ahead of 2026/27, with striker Eleanor Dale declining new terms, while academy full-back Jessica Brown has agreed a one-year deal.

The club said in a statement that Dale has left on the expiry of her contract, having joined from Everton in summer 2024 and making 37 appearances with 17 goals.

Dale, 24, impressed in her first season on Wearside and was central to a strong mid-season run. Injuries affected her last term and she could not match that earlier output, though the club had been keen to keep her.

She is one of the few offered new deals to depart, with Katie Kitching, Brianna Westrup and Natasha Fenton among those to extend. Summer recruitment will be led by Technical Director Rehanne Skinner, appointed by new owners Bay Collective earlier this week.

Brown’s renewal gives head coach Mel Reay a lift for the new campaign. The defender has signed on for 2026/27.

Source: Sunderland Echo