Sunderland retained list taking shape with 55 staying, 14 leaving and 10 in talks | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland’s retained list is taking shape, with 55 set to stay, 14 to leave and 10 in talks in the latest predictions.

Formal confirmation is still to come, with options and fresh negotiations in play across the first team and academy.

Lutsharel Geertruida is due to return to RB Leipzig at the end of his loan. Dennis Cirkin and Dan Neil are nearing the end of their deals, while Sunderland have triggered a one-year option for Simon Moore. Options exist on Bertrand Traore and Niall Huggins, yet the current view is that both will depart, with Traore marginally likelier to stay.

A strong core are already contracted for next season, including Anthony Patterson, Dan Ballard, Luke O’Nien, Chris Rigg, Enzo Le Fée, Granit Xhaka, Simon Adingra and Brian Brobbey.

At academy level, options have been taken on Ben Metcalf, Jenson Jones and Luke Bell, and Matty Young has signed a new deal, with no third loan at Salford expected. Joe Cowan and Isaac Allan remain under contract, while Zak Johnson’s option could be triggered after his York City loan.

Departures will follow, with Dan Cameron and Adam Richardson set to move on, and others including Ivan Struk, George Bell and Jake Waters expected to leave when contracts expire in June.

Talks continue with academy prospects including Marcus Neill and Jack Whittaker, among others. Neill has scored regularly for the Under-18s, including a hat-trick against Everton, while Whittaker has spent time around the first team.

Source: Sunderland Echo