This summer could mark the end of an era for several familiar faces as players from the Premier League down to League Two face uncertain futures. Among them are notable former Sunderland players whose contracts are due to expire. While Sunderland themselves are focused on a promotion push to the Premier League, decisions regarding their current squad—particularly those on loan—are on pause until the season concludes.
Loan signings Salis Abdul Samed, Jayden Danns, Chris Mepham, and Enzo Le Fee are all expected to return to their parent clubs once the season ends. However, there remains a possibility that Le Fee could stay on Wearside if head coach Régis Le Bris successfully leads the team through the playoffs and into the top flight. Though Sunderland have a number of players out on loan, the club is not facing any major contract dilemmas internally. The only departures anticipated are the four loan players. The bigger story lies with former Black Cats now approaching free agency.
Veteran defender Jonny Evans, who rose to prominence during two standout loan spells at Sunderland, is currently out of contract at Manchester United. After a long and successful career, it’s still unclear if he will continue playing. Goalkeeper Remi Matthews, who had an underwhelming spell at Sunderland before a surprise move to Crystal Palace, also looks set to move on after his one-year extension expires this summer.
Lynden Gooch, a United States international and a mainstay in Sunderland’s squad for eight years, is currently at Stoke City, but his contract ends this season. Similarly, Duncan Watmore—who made a name for himself at Sunderland after joining from non-league Altrincham—faces an uncertain future after spending time at Middlesbrough and Millwall.
Jack Colback, remembered for the controversy of his move from Sunderland to Newcastle, is now at Queens Park Rangers, but his time there appears to be coming to a close. Danny Batth, a key figure in Sunderland’s promotion campaign, will be a free agent unless he renews with Blackburn Rovers.
Morgan Feeney, who made a single memorable appearance for Sunderland, has since carved out a career with Shrewsbury and Carlisle United, but his contract is also ending. Former Sunderland goalkeeper Lee Burge, now at Northampton Town, will be out of contract as well.
Another name that stands out is Steven Fletcher, a Wear-Tyne derby hero. After stints with several clubs, including Wrexham, Fletcher is also set to be released. Josh Hawkes, a former Sunderland fringe player now at Tranmere Rovers, will become a free agent this summer too.
Denver Hume, a product of the club’s academy, is approaching the end of his deal at Grimsby Town. Meanwhile, Dylan McGeouch, who joined Sunderland from Hibernian in 2018, will be out of contract following his time at Carlisle United. Finally, Tom Flanagan, a former defensive mainstay, finds himself without a new deal at Colchester United.
As the season wraps up, it will be intriguing to see where these former Sunderland players land next—or whether some might even find their way back to the Stadium of Light.
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