Dan Neil and the 12 other Sunderland players set to leave the Stadium of Light in 2026
Sunderland possess a host of players who could be playing their final season at the Stadium of Light.
Amid the arrival of 15 players on Wearside this summer, there was a raft of departures, with Patrick Roberts leaving for Birmingham City on a season-long loan.
However, more of the Black Cats' Championship play-off-winning side could depart next summer unless anything changes.
Indeed, Dan Neil is among a collective of 13 players whose contracts expire in 2026, with the clock ticking on their futures.
Sunderland players whose contracts expire in 2026
Many thought that Neil would sign a fresh Sunderland contract this summer, but that has failed to come to fruition.
The 23-year-old came through the Wearsiders' academy and captained them in the Championship play-off final, only for Regis Le Bris to name Granit Xhaka as his new captain.
Like Neil, Cirkin was another who many expected to agree to new terms in the North East, but there has been radio silence on a new deal.
New arrivals Bertrand Traore (permanent) and Lutsharel Geertruida (loan) are both on short-term deals and will have to impress if they are to secure long-term contracts.
Academy products Harrison Jones and Zak Johnson are both out of contract next summer, but it would be surprising if the former was not offered a new deal at the Stadium of Light.
- Goalkeepers: Simon Moore, Blondy Nna Noukeu
- Defenders: Dennis Cirkin, Niall Huggins, Joe Anderson, Geertruida, Johnson
- Midfielders: Jay Matete, Jones, Traore, Roberts, Neil
- Forwards: Luis Semedo
Goalkeepers Moore and Nna Noukeu are very much squad goalkeepers, and at least one of them should leave next summer with opportunities nonexistent.
Huggins, Semedo, and Roberts are all out on loan this season, but are likely to leave when their contracts expire in 2026.
Meanwhile, Anderson and Matete are both way off a starting place and will be allowed to leave the North East club.
When the rest of Sunderland's contracts expire?
The rest of the Sunderland contingent are set to remain beyond 2026, although much of that will depend on what division the Black Cats are playing in next season.
However, Luke O'Nien is among a smaller group of players whose contracts are due to expire in the following year.
Players whose contracts expire in 2027:
- O'Nien
- Arthur Masuaku
- Reinildo Mandava
- Ian Poveda
- Aji Alese
- Abdoullah Ba
- Nazariy Rusyn
- Alan Browne
Players whose contracts expire in 2028:
- Xhaka
- Anthony Patterson
- Wilson Isidor
- Dan Ballard
- Timothee Pembele
- Leo Hjelde
- Romaine Mundle
- Ahmed Abdullahi
- Milan Aleksic
- Jenson Seelt
- Adil Aouchiche
- Luis Semedo
Players whose contracts expire in 2029:
- Nordi Mukiele
- Omar Alderete
- Brian Brobbey
- Enzo Le Fee
Players whose contracts expire in 2030:
- Trai Hume
- Robin Roefs
- Simon Adingra
- Noah Sadiki
- Chemsdine Talbi
- Habib Diarra
- Chris Rigg
- Eliezer Mayenda
Sunderland supporters will be pleased that their key players are tied down to longer contracts, but they must secure their Premier League status to avoid losing any of them sooner.
Of course, the Black Cats' hierarchy have been savvy and will certainly have a plan for all scenarios.
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