Sunderland weigh major contract calls as eight set to leave, as it stands | OneFootball

Sunderland face a crucial summer of contract decisions, with eight players currently set to leave in 2026 as it stands. According to Sunderland Echo, the club are working behind the scenes during a two-week pause in their European push.

Brian Brobbey’s late strike sealed a Tyne-Wear derby double at St James Park. The result left Sunderland within three points of the top seven and three more from the top five.

Seven fixtures remain, with home games against Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Chelsea, and trips to Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton before May. Regis Le Bris is aiming to become only the second Sunderland manager to lead the club into Europe, the first since Bob Stokoe in 1973.

A recent boost saw Dan Ballard sign a new long-term deal, yet several colleagues approach the final months of their contracts. Summer 2026 expiries include Simon Moore, Bertrand Traore, Dennis Cirkin and Harrison Jones, while loanee Lutsharel Geertruida’s spell is due to end. Niall Huggins, Zak Johnson and Dan Neil are also out on loan with deals to 2026.

Beyond 2026, deals run to 2027 for Reinildo Mandava, Luke O’Nien and Abdoullah Ba, alongside several loanees.

Granit Xhaka and Timothee Pembele headline a 2028 group, with Brian Brobbey and Enzo Le Fee contracted to 2029. A sizeable 2030 cohort includes Trai Hume, Chris Rigg and Ballard, plus others and several loanees.

Source: Sunderland Echo