Florent Ghisolfi makes Sunderland contract call as ex-Leeds United man’s transfer future becomes clear | OneFootball

Niall Huggins is set to leave Sunderland this summer. The full-back’s deal runs to the summer of 2026, with a club option for a further year.

Sunderland Echo understands that, as things stand, the Black Cats are not expected to activate that option, allowing the defender to depart when his contract expires.

The 25-year-old Wales international joined from Leeds United in 2021 and helped win promotion from League One under Alex Neil. Injuries then curtailed his progress in the Championship.

His most consistent spell came in 2023-24, when he scored his first professional goal in a 2-0 win over Watford at the Stadium of Light. He has shown pace, versatility and technical quality across both full-back roles.

This season he made one senior appearance under Régis Le Bris, playing 45 minutes in the EFL Cup against Huddersfield Town. He later joined Wycombe Wanderers on loan, making 24 appearances in all competitions, with one goal and two assists, including 19 in League One, three in the EFL Trophy and two in the EFL Cup.

His situation will be clarified when Sunderland publish their retained list, expected within the next week or so. Squad planning is already shaped by a return to the Premier League and historic Europa League qualification ahead of 2026-27.

Source: Sunderland Echo