Sunderland endured a disappointing end to the 2023/24 season – yet preparations are already taking place ahead of the next campaign.
The Black Cats are set to release their retained list in the coming days, with a handful of players nearing the end of their contracts. It’s understood both Corry Evans and Bradley Dack will leave the club when their deals expire this summer, while players on loan will return to their parent clubs – though Sunderland do have an option to sign Callum Styles on a permanent deal from Barnsley.
As Sunderland look to strengthen in the upcoming transfer market, there will inevitably be outgoings as well. We’ve taken a closer look at the players who are set to leave the Stadium of Light at the end of the season – as things stand – as well as others who could depart:
1. Callum Styles – Set to leave
Sunderland signed Styles on an initial loan deal from Barnsley in January, meaning he’s set to leave as things stand. There is an option for the Black Cats to make the deal permanent, while the 24-year-old had been on Sunderland’s radar since last summer. It will be interesting to see if they take up their option.
2. Corry Evans – Set to leave
Evans made three Championship appearances at the end of the season after returning from an ACL injury. Sunderland have a one-year option to extend the midfielder’s contract, yet it’s understood the 33-year-old is set to leave Wearside this summer. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Mason Burstow – Set to leave
Sunderland signed Burstow on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea in the summer, after trying to agree a permanent deal. The 20-year-old striker endured a challenging season on Wearside and is set to return to his parent club.
4. Ellis Taylor – Set to leave
Following a frustrating loan spell at Hartlepool in the first half of the 2022/23 season, the winger hasn’t been able to break into Sunderland’s first team. The 20-year-old has returned from an injury setback in recent weeks, with his contract set to expire this summer.
5. Bradley Dack – Set to leave
Dack joined Sunderland on an initial one-year deal, with a club option of an additional year, after leaving Blackburn at the end of last season. After making just 16 Championship appearances this season, it’s been decided the Black Cats won’t renew the 30-year-old’s contract.
6. Jack Diamond – Set to leave
Diamond, 24, joined League One side Carlisle United on loan in January, with his Sunderland contract set to expire this summer. The winger has made 16 league appearances for Carlisle since joining the club.
7. Caden Kelly – Set to leave
Kelly was named in Sunderland’s first-team squad six times this season, with his contract set to expire this summer. The 20-year-old has impressed for the under-21s side this campaign and will hope he can earn a new deal.
8. Jack Clarke – Could leave
Sunderland have turned down multiple offers for Clarke over the last year, while the club haven’t been able to agree a new long-term contract with the 23-year-old – who has two years left on his current deal. It now feels like the player will move on this summer after an excellent season on Wearside.
9. Anthony Patterson – Could leave
Patterson has regularly talked about his pride playing for his boyhood club and signed a new contract, which will run until 2028, last year. Still, there has been Premier League interest in the 24-year-old goalkeeper and a big offer could leave Sunderland with a decision to make.
10. Alex Bass – Could leave
Bass impressed on loan at League Two side AFC Wimbledon this season but is unlikely to receive many first-team opportunities at Sunderland. The 24-year-old has a year left on his Black Cats contract and would probably benefit from a move this summer.
11. Nathan Bishop – Could leave
Like Bass, Bishop appears unlikely to receive many first-team opportunities at Sunderland if Patterson stays at the club. The Black Cats won’t actively be looking to move the 24-year-old on, yet he may want to pursue more regular game time at senior level. Photo: Frank Reid
12. Hemir – Could leave (on loan)
The Portuguese striker signed a five-year contract at Sunderland last summer but struggled at Championship level during his first season at the club. A loan move would appear a logical step at this stage, while Sunderland will have to weigh up whether it’s best to send the 20-year-old abroad or keep him in the UK.
