Sunderland face key contract calls as summer approaches | OneFootball

Sunderland face a pivotal summer of contract decisions as their push for Europe continues. According to Sunderland Echo, choices on expiring deals and loan situations will shape the next phase.

Despite a 4-3 defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday, the Black Cats sit 11th in the Premier League, four points off sixth with a game in hand. Sixth could yet be a Champions League place, depending on the Europa League outcome.

Their impressive return to the top flight has been driven by last summer’s recruitment, with significant fees for Brian Brobbey, Granit Xhaka, Robin Roefs and Nordi Mukiele among others. More work now lies ahead, including calls on a host of contracts.

This summer’s expiring deals include Bertrand Traore, Dennis Cirkin and Dan Neil. Traore started brightly but has been sidelined since early March and has one goal, so a renewal appears unlikely. Neil has been loaned to Ipswich Town and it has already been confirmed he will not get a new contract. Cirkin’s form has been mixed, yet he has been dependable when used, so Sunderland would likely want to keep him as a budget back-up, though he will want more minutes.

Lutsharel Geertruida has been important for Regis Le Bris, covering full-back, centre-back and midfield. Extending his stay beyond his loan would appeal, though Le Bris has said it is still a bit too early to discuss it. Attention will also turn to players entering their final year, notably defenders Reinildo Mandava and Luke O’Nien.

Elsewhere, longer agreements run to 2029 for Omar Alderete and Enzo Le Fee, and to 2030 for Trai Hume and Robin Roefs among others. Several players are out on loan and will return to decisions in the summer.

Source: Sunderland Echo