Sunderland defender not shocked as exit announced at Stadium of Light
Sunderland are in a strong position with their key players as they return to the Premier League, with no serious contracts running out this year.
One player who appears set to depart the Stadium of Light is Jobe Bellingham, although a fee is yet to be agreed with Borussia Dortmund.
As well as Bellingham, a collective of players have departed Wearside, with loans and contracts expiring in the North East at the end of the month.
Indeed, one player who has already departed the Premier League club has spoken out on his departure.
Departing defender speaks out on Sunderland exit
While promotion to the Premier League was a welcome boost for most, it spelt the end for many.
Sunderland’s squad were rewarded handsomely, with £7.5million being shared between the Black Cats players who featured during the campaign.
Of the players to leave, Chris Mepham, Salis Abdul Samed, and Tommy Watson are the highest-profile, with Watson agreeing a permanent switch to Brighton.
As for Mepham and Samed, they have returned to their respective clubs after their season-long loan deals expired.
The Black Cats also waved goodbye to some of their academy graduates, with defender Ben Crompton among those departed.
| Ben Crompton’s National League statistics with Tamworth | Total |
| Appearances | 25 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Accurate passes | 11.9 (63%) |
| Clearances | 2.4 |
| Total duels won | 5.1 (36%) |
He spoke to the Sunderland Echo (6 June) following his release and had nothing but admiration for his former employer.
While it may have seemed his future could rest on the play-off outcome, he says the decision was already made on his future.
Crompton said: “I think it was more so just can I be guaranteed first-team games and it was probably not at this point in my career.
“I wasn’t too shocked, but at the same time, I think I’d done everything that I could.
“There’s not really anything else that I think I could have done. Just for me, in my next steps, it’s probably the best thing for both parties.”
Black Cats must bolster defence for Premier League return
While Crompton’s absence will not be felt, the Black Cats need reinforcements if they are to shore up their defence.
Mepham has already returned to his parent club, AFC Bournemouth, and he was an outstanding performer last season.
Of course, the Black Cats could move back in for him, which would be a wise step considering he is out of contract this summer.
Elsewhere, Sunderland have been linked with France-based duo Wilfried Singo and Cedric Kipre, but are yet to make an offer.
Regis Le Bris does possess Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien in the hub of his defence, but Le Bris needs an upgrade.