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

Sunderland face significant decisions over long-term deals, with eight players currently due to be out of contract in summer 2026.

The Black Cats have a two-week break before resuming their push for Europe. According to Sunderland Echo, they are still savouring a Tyne-Wear derby win at St James Park, sealed by Brian Brobbey’s late goal to complete a league double over Newcastle United.

That victory almost saw them leapfrog their rivals, and left them three points off the top seven and a further three from the top five. Seven matches remain, with home games against Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Chelsea, and trips to Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton.

Regis Le Bris is seeking to become only the second Sunderland manager to lead the club into European competition, and the first since Bob Stokoe in 1973. Off the pitch, planning continues.

Deals ending in 2026 include Simon Moore, Bertrand Traore, loanee Lutsharel Geertruida, Dennis Cirkin and Harrison Jones, plus Niall Huggins, Zak Johnson and Dan Neil, who are out on loan.

There was a boost earlier this month when Dan Ballard signed a new long-term contract. Many others are tied down beyond 2026, running through 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.

Source: Sunderland Echo