Sunderland have some player contracts coming to an end in 2025 and 2026, and as ever, the club will start work early on those deals.
Sunderland are very good at not letting key players come to the ends of their contracts, at least under Kristjaan Speakman anyway.
Las summer, Sunderland sold Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town knowing that he’d have been in the final year of his contract come the end of this season.
Elsewhere, the Black Cats have agreed early extensions for the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Dan Ballard among others this year, highlighting the club’s organisation with regards to player contracts.
But there are some more who may be on Speakman’s agenda in the coming weeks and months. Here we look at the five major contract decisions facing the Black Cats…
Aaron Connolly
Aaron Connolly is yet to impress the Black Cats faithful after signing a deal until the end of this season in September.
For the last outing against Coventry City at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland fans were critical of Connolly who squandered a couple of chances late on.
If he can find scoring form then a new deal may come to fruition. It’s still early days for the Irishman, but if he doesn’t impress soon then he’ll no doubt be released at the end of the campaign.
Dan Neil
Sunderland kipper Dan Neil sees his deal expire in 2026. Like Connolly, Neil has faced Sunderland criticism this season, but he’s been back to his best in recent weeks.
In particular, Neil shone for Sunderland against Oxford United recently, having now featured 14 times in the Championship this season.
Speaking earlier in the campaign, Speakman told Sunderland Echo that a new deal for Neil was on his ‘radar’, though nothing has been said on the matter since.
Neil has had links to Liverpool in the past and if he impresses this season, clubs could take another look in 2025.
- READ MORE: Three Sunderland decisions that Regis Le Bris has got right this season, and two he’s got wrong
Dennis Cirkin
Speaking at the same time of Neil, Speakman also said that a new deal for left-back Dennis Cirkin was in his thoughts.
Cirkin has wowed for Sunderland this season. And this fine form has lead to Leeds United taking an interest in Cirkin, though a move to Elland Road anytime soon looks unlikely.
Former Spurs man Cirkin sees his contract expire in 2026 following his 2021 move to the club. And per Capology, Cirkin’s Sunderland wage would make him one of the lowest-paid at Leeds, for example, so Speakman may need to act before January in order to prevent Cirkin from having his head turned.
Patrick Roberts
Also out of contract in 2026 is Patrick Roberts, and like Cirkin, Roberts has enjoyed a very strong 2024/25 season so far.
Roberts had a 2023/24 season to forget. But since Le Bris’ appointment at Sunderland, Roberts has gotten back to his best with one goal and three assists in the Championship this season.
The club has a one-year option to Roberts’ deal. Losing him on a free transfer seems as though it would be a waste, but at 27 years old and with younger players breaking through, Roberts could be one who Speakman may choose to let go in 2026.
Luke O’Nien
Lastly, the fifth major contract option facing Speakman is that of Luke O’Nien, who is out of a contract in 2026.
But like Roberts, O’Nien’s deal also includes the option for an extra year, per Transfermarkt. O’Nien though is well above the average at Sunderland, turning 30 later in November.
O’Nien though has been a standout performer this season. Journalist James Copley names O’Nien as Sunderland’s Player of the Season so far, but his contract may be something that Speakman and co decided nearer the time.
The others out of contract in 2026 are Jewison Bennette, Niall Huggins, Simon Moore and Blondy Nna Noukeu.