Sunderland have several players approaching the end of their current contracts as the 2025/26 season enters its final weeks.
While the Black Cats’ primary focus remains on their league standing and potential play-off push, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and the recruitment team are already making decisions on the future of the first-team squad.
As it stands, six senior players are currently scheduled to leave the Stadium of Light when their deals expire in June.
The players out of contract
Corry Evans
The club captain has seen his recent seasons heavily disrupted by injury. While his leadership behind the scenes is highly valued, Evans has struggled for consistent game time. It is expected that the midfielder will move on to find a fresh challenge where he can secure regular first-team minutes.
Bradley Dack
Dack signed a one-year deal last summer with an option for a further year. However, injuries have once again limited the playmaker’s impact on the pitch. Unless there is a significant change in the final games, it appears unlikely the club will trigger the extension.
Ellis Taylor
The academy graduate has been a standout performer for the Under-21s but has found senior opportunities hard to come by. At 23, Taylor is at a stage where he needs to be playing senior football regularly, and a move away seems the most logical step for both parties.
Mason Burstow (Loan)
While not a permanent contract, Burstow’s loan move from Chelsea will conclude at the end of the season. The striker has found goals hard to come by during his spell on Wearside, and he is expected to return to his parent club before a decision is made on his next career move.
Callum Styles (Loan)
The Hungarian international joined on loan from Barnsley in January with an option for Sunderland to make the move permanent. The club has yet to signal whether they intend to take up that option, with Styles’ future likely depending on the division Sunderland find themselves in next season.
Patrick Roberts
Update: While there was initial confusion regarding his deal, it is understood that the club remains in talks with Roberts. His current terms are technically up this summer, but the club holds a significant option to extend, which they are widely expected to trigger given his importance to the attack.
What has the club said?
Speaking recently about the contract situation, Kristjaan Speakman noted that the club prefers to keep these discussions private until the end of the campaign.
“We have a very clear plan for every individual player,” Speakman said. “Those conversations are ongoing, and we will communicate the final retained list once the season has concluded. Our focus right now is entirely on winning football matches.”
The Black Cats are expected to be active in the summer market regardless of departures, with a striker and defensive reinforcements high on the priority list.
