Five major Sunderland contract decisions after Dan Ballard boost | OneFootball

Sunderland have tied Dan Ballard to a long-term deal on the day he was named North East Football Writers Association Player of the Year, shifting focus to five pressing contract calls.

According to Sunderland Echo, director of football Florent Ghisolfi views Ballard as central to the club’s identity, and the deal lifts their Premier League plans.

Goalkeeper Simon Moore is out of contract this summer, has not played, and was an unused sub against Burnley, Leeds and in the Carabao Cup loss to Huddersfield, remaining third choice. Matty Young’s Salford form could put him in next season’s squad, which could end Moore’s spell.

Dennis Cirkin’s injury-hit campaign has limited him to eight senior appearances, five starts. After the FA Cup win at Oxford United he admitted frustration with this season yet said he is relaxed about his contract.

Bertrand Traore joined on a one-year deal and has 12 league outings with one goal. AFCON duty and a knee injury interrupted his season, and a one-year option could be triggered after bench returns against Bournemouth and Leeds.

Lutsharel Geertruida, on loan from RB Leipzig, has 24 appearances, reportedly drew Liverpool interest in January, and has a buy option that Le Bris has hinted could be activated amid uncertainty last month.

Academy product Harrison Jones has no Premier League appearance despite 10 benches, his only senior game the Carabao Cup defeat by Huddersfield. He is out of contract this summer, with a 12-month option after loan interest brought no move.

Source: Sunderland Echo