The Sunderland first-team players including Chris Rigg and more have described Luke O’Nien in one word.
Sunderland first-team player have had their say on club captain Luke O’Nien ahead of the start of the new Championship season next month.
Sunderland play Cardiff City under new head coach Regis Le Bris on August 10th to get their new campaign underway.
It’s an exciting new chapter for the club. It comes after Sunderland achieved a disappointing 16th place finish last time round, but there’s some new players on the books.
Sunderland have signed Ian Poveda who joins Alan Browne and Simon Moore as the club’s summer signings, all adding Championship experience to the ranks.
But no players are more experienced in a Sunderland shirt than O’Nien; the 29-year-old now has 265 total appearances for Sunderland and is entering his seventh season at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland players describe ‘crackers’ Luke O’Nien in one word
Speaking to the club, some of the Sunderland first-team players had their say on O’Nien, who captained the club for the 2023/24 season.
Chris Rigg described O’Nien as ‘crackers’, whilst Nectarios Triantis described him as ‘unpredictable’, with both Trai Hume and Patrick Roberts describing the Englishman as ‘energetic’.
Meanwhile, Dan Neil called O’Nien a ‘grafter’ and Anthony Patterson called him a ‘leader’.
Dan Ballard described his centre-back partner as ‘mad’, whilst fellow defender Leo Hjelde said O’Nien is ‘busy’.
Jobe Bellingham called O’Nien ‘committed’.
The stance that Kristjaan Speakman should take on Luke O’Nien future at Sunderland
O’Nien is out of contract in the summer of 2026, so whilst he still has some time left to go at the club, he’ll no doubt have one eye on his future.
Sunderland often hand contract extensions to players who still have a few years left on their deal.
O’Nien being 29 though may rule him out of earning an extension, or even another deal entirely.
He’s been a great servant to the club and looks set to play another key role next season and he appears to be well-liked by his teammates too.
Although he can prove divisive at times, he’s a player who provides vital Championship experience to this still-youthful Sunderland side, with his versatility obviously a bonus for the manager.
Kristjaan Speakman though needs to think about his future centre-back options with O’Nien and perhaps Ballard not likely to be with the club beyond 2026, unless Sunderland earn promotion, in which case there’s a stronger chance that Ballard says.
Sunderland should keep O’Nien around until his deal expires, but then look to have a replacement lined up.