Sunderland retained list set to include trio expected to depart | OneFootball

Sunderland’s official retained list is expected within the next week, and it is likely to show three names widely tipped to move on.

According to Sunderland Echo, Harrison Jones, Timur Tutierov and Zak Johnson are expected to be listed as retained, a technical move that does not necessarily place them in long-term plans.

The stance remains that all three are expected to leave this summer. Rather than releasing them for nothing, the club aims to protect its position, so exits may not be immediate. Potential departures could include a small fee and/or a sell-on clause to retain future value.

Jones has attracted interest from League One, League Two and Scotland. The local midfielder is well regarded at the Academy of Light and has been in the senior set-up during a highly successful spell, but promotion to the Premier League has altered pathways for some youngsters.

Tutierov and Johnson are also expected to move on as Sunderland reshape elements of the academy and development group this summer. Inclusion on a retained list can simply preserve value and control, so it should not be read as a guarantee a player will stay.

Source: Sunderland Echo