Sunderland star Tommy Watson is one of the handful of players out of contract in 2026. The Black Cats had to fend off deadline day interest from Brighton in the 18-year-old.
Sunderland are usually very good at contracts and at getting players under longer-term deals. But that’s not exactly the case with Tommy Watson who, come the summer, will be in the final year of his contract.
Interest has lingered for the past six months now. Brighton tried to sign Watson on deadline day after previously trying to sign the academy product last summer. Sunderland rejected a £13million deal for Watson on the January deadline day.
Since, it’s already been reported that Brighton will try to sign Watson again in the summer transfer window. Given his contract situation, how much Brighton would be ready to pay for the teenager remains to be seen.
Sunderland plan for Tommy Watson contract revealed
An emerging report from The Northern Echo has revealed that Sunderland are in ‘ongoing’ talks with Watson over a possible new deal. The same report adds that ‘if there is no further progress in the next few weeks, the situation will be reassessed in the summer’.
Interestingly, The Northern Echo confirm that other clubs than Brighton have checked in on Watson. They write that by the summer, Sunderland will know what division they’ll be playing in in 2025/26, and that ‘some of the other clubs to have made contact over Watson could also be firming up their plans’.
So far in 2024/25, Watson has made 10 Championship appearances for Sunderland and has scored two goals for Regis Le Bris’ side.
Tommy Watson’s stance on staying at Sunderland after failed Brighton move
Deadline day would’ve been a surreal experience for Watson. It’d be understandable if he’s frustrated about seeing a dream move to the Premier League fall through, but that’s not the case.
Kristjaan Speakman recently gave an interview where he said Watson is happy to stay at Sunderland and that he was never pushing for a move away from the Stadium of Light on deadline day.
But with strong competition on the left from Romaine Mundle and Enzo Le Fee, it’s certainly going to be tough for Watson to get some regular game time in the second half of this season.
Sunderland return to Championship action against Watford on Saturday.