Sunderland Women facing major summer rebuild as eight departures confirmed | OneFootball

Sunderland Women are preparing a major summer rebuild after confirmation that eight players will depart.

According to Sunderland Echo, long-serving defender Louise Griffiths leaves after 144 appearances across nine years, having helped the club climb from the third tier. 2025 young player of the year Libbi McInnes also departs.

Last season’s senior goalkeepers, Demi Lambourne and Grace Moloney, are moving on alongside forward Ellen Jones. Hannah Greenwood, Jamie Finn and Reanna Blades will also leave after one campaign.

New deals have recently been secured for forwards Katy Watson and Emily Scarr and midfielder Natasha Fenton. Offers are on the table for Jessica Brown and Eleanor Dale, who are currently out of contract this summer.

Several youngsters have signed first professional terms and will step up, though further recruitment is still required. A takeover by US group Bay Collective awaits ratification, with significant investment and backroom appointments planned once approved.

Head coach Mel Reay called the situation positive and exciting but stressed league approval is still pending and limits what she can say.

Loanees Mared Griffiths and Caragh Hamilton have returned to their parent clubs Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, leaving 10 senior players contracted for next season and five youngsters on professional deals. Sunderland finished eighth in WSL 2 last season and aim to kick on, continuing at the Academy of Light with a minority stake retained once the takeover is approved.

Source: Sunderland Echo