Sunderland trigger Simon Moore one-year extension after praise from Robin Roefs and Luke O’Nien | OneFootball

Sunderland have activated Simon Moore’s one-year contract option, keeping the 36-year-old goalkeeper on Wearside for at least another season.

According to Sunderland Echo, the clause is understood to have been triggered some time ago, with his deal previously set to expire on 30 June 2026.

Moore joined in June 2024 on a two-year agreement while the Black Cats were in the Championship. He made his league debut against Oxford United in October 2024 when Anthony Patterson was injured. He then logged four league outings before Patterson’s return, plus two further cup appearances.

He has not featured this season, yet his influence has been repeatedly underlined inside the club. The veteran supports a young goalkeeping group that includes 23-year-old Robin Roefs and 22-year-old Melker Ellborg, and he is working towards his coaching badges at the Academy of Light.

Roefs has spoken about Moore’s impact since arriving from the Netherlands, saying the experienced keeper helped him settle quickly in the North East and made him feel at home.

Luke O’Nien offered a similar view earlier in the campaign, calling Moore Sunderland’s unsung hero. After a shoulder injury in the play-off final win over Sheffield United disrupted his own pre-season, O’Nien said he looked to Moore’s example while waiting for opportunities.

He even keeps a Moore shirt in his locker as a reminder, and recalled the keeper playing about four games in the promotion season, with three clean sheets and only two goals conceded.

Source: Sunderland Echo