Sunderland Women set for major summer rebuild as eight depart | OneFootball

Sunderland Women will undergo a major rebuild after the club published its retained list, saying eight players will depart this summer.

Long-serving defender Louise Griffiths leaves after 144 appearances in nine years. Libbi McInnes, the club’s 2025 young player of the year, also departs. Goalkeepers Demi Lambourne and Grace Moloney, forward Ellen Jones, and Hannah Greenwood, Jamie Finn and Reanna Blades are moving on.

New deals have been signed by forwards Katy Watson and Emily Scarr and midfielder Natasha Fenton. Offers are with Jessica Brown and Eleanor Dale, who are out of contract as things stand.

Several youngsters have taken first professional contracts and will step up, though further recruitment is needed. Loanees Mared Griffiths and Caragh Hamilton have returned to Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. The squad currently has 10 senior players contracted for next season, plus five youngsters on pro terms.

Approval of a proposed takeover by US group Bay Collective is awaited, with investment and backroom hires to follow. The group is expected to prioritise sustainable development ahead of a radical overhaul. Earlier this year head coach Mel Reay called it a positive step and an exciting time, while stressing league ratification was still pending and noting constructive talks and staff effort.

Sunderland finished eighth in WSL 2 last season and will look to kick on under Bay Collective’s ownership next season. After approval, the team will continue to operate from the Academy of Light, with Sunderland retaining a minority shareholding.

Source: Sunderland Echo