Sunderland have this afternoon released information on their website on who will leave and who they currently wish to stay at the club. Their full retained list will be released in due course. The Black Cats advised that contracts will be offered to three current first-team players, with five leaving.
Manager Phil Parkinson will embark on a squad rebuilding job before next season begins and with several first-team players set to leave, Parkinson and the club could be set for a busy summer.
Sunderland Retained List Announcement
Five Players Set to Leave
The Black Cats have announced that five players will leave this summer when their contracts expire. The players to leave are Duncan Watmore, who has had an injury-plagued career on Wearside, including two major ACL injuries. Jack Baldwin, signed by Jack Ross two years ago, but will depart having spent the past year in League Two with Salford City. Alim Ozturk, another Jack Ross signing and who was a regular at various stages, making a total of 45 appearances. Fellow defender Joel Lynch will also depart. Lynch arrived on a free transfer last August having been released by QPR.
One player leaving which may cause a surprise is Ethan Robson. The midfielder is an academy product and has been at Sunderland his entire career. Robson was recalled from an impressive spell on loan at Grimsby Town in January; however, he failed to make an appearance under Phil Parkinson. Robson was highly thought of at the club and it was expected that he would be pushing for a first-team place next season.
Contracts Offered to Three
Three players have been offered new deals by the club. First-choice goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin will be offered a new contract after two impressive seasons. The Scotland international will not be short of offers should any talks stall. Northern Ireland international defender Tom Flanagan will also be offered a new contract.
News that fan-favourite Chris Maguire will be given a new contract will be a relief to many Sunderland fans. The forward, affectionately known as “The King”, has been a huge hit since arriving two years ago. His skill and goalscoring ability could be crucial to Phil Parkinson as he attempts to build a team capable of gaining promotion.
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