AliousSunderland Gears Up for Major Summer Clearout Despite Retained Senior Squad
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League promises to be a transformative period, not just in terms of strengthening the squad but also trimming it down. Despite releasing a retained list that kept all senior players under contract (excluding returning loanees Chris Mepham and Salis Abdul Samed), the Wearside club is widely expected to undergo a significant squad overhaul this summer.
Behind the scenes, numerous departures—both permanent and temporary—are anticipated as Sunderland prepares for the demands of top-flight football. Here’s an extensive look at the 14 senior players who could be on their way out:
Nectar Triantis
After a standout campaign at Hibernian, where he excelled in a defensive midfield role and helped clinch third place, Triantis finds himself at a crossroads. Promotion to the Premier League likely limits his chances of regular action, and with strong interest already emerging, Sunderland must choose between further loan development or cashing in on the 22-year-old now.
Timothée Pembélé
Pembélé’s path to the first team is effectively blocked with Trai Hume locked in as starting right-back and Sunderland aiming to bolster full-back depth further. While the French defender has three years left on his contract, a productive loan spell at Le Havre—where he contributed to Ligue 1 survival—could attract permanent suitors.
Abdoullah Ba
Hopes that Ba’s stint at Dunkerque would reignite his form were only partially realized. He managed eight appearances and a goal, but the French club made it clear they couldn’t afford a permanent deal. With Ligue 2 promotion missed and Ba’s inconsistency, Sunderland may look to move him on, especially with French clubs still tracking the talented midfielder.
Luis Hemir
Juventus Next Gen passed on their option to sign Hemir permanently, sending the striker back to Sunderland. With three years left on his deal, another loan remains a possibility, though the club is thought to prefer a permanent exit. Recouping their original investment appears unlikely.
Nazariy Rusyn
Rusyn’s spell at Hajduk Split ended without a permanent move, and his diminished status under new management leaves him on the periphery. Like Hemir, Sunderland is unlikely to reclaim his original transfer fee, making the priority a suitable new destination rather than financial return.
Jay Matete
Once a central figure in Sunderland’s League One promotion, Matete’s momentum stalled due to injury. A permanent move is now viewed as the best path forward, with League One clubs likely interested in a midfielder known for consistency and drive.
Pierre Ekwah
Saint-Etienne’s relegation cost Sunderland a valuable windfall as the French club opted not to exercise their purchase option. Ekwah impressed during his loan, and Sunderland are confident in attracting fresh interest. Though not entirely ruled out for pre-season consideration, a clean break is seen as the more probable outcome.
Nathan Bishop
Following a solid run with Cambridge United, Bishop enters the final year of his Sunderland contract. A permanent exit is expected, with plenty of suitors in the EFL keen on an experienced shot-stopper.
Adil Aouchiche
Aouchiche’s professionalism earned him mid-season chances after a quiet start, and a decent loan spell at Portsmouth kept his name on the radar. However, Premier League promotion likely restricts future opportunities. With a lengthy and now more expensive contract in place, Sunderland must find the right club and financial terms for his departure.
Others Likely to Move On
Matty Young, Harrison Jones & Milan Aleksic are expected to be sent on loan to gain experience, though they may feature in early pre-season training.
Ian Poveda struggled to make an impression under Régis Le Bris and is firmly on the exit list.
Joe Anderson, after limited game time and a January exit rejection, may now seek a permanent transfer.
Alan Browne has been linked with a potential move, especially if new midfield signings materialize.
Conclusion
Though the retained list appears stable, Sunderland is bracing for a busy transfer window. Several fringe players and loanees are expected to depart as the club fine-tunes its squad for Premier League readiness. With squad size limits and financial strategy in mind, expect both outgoing and incoming moves to reshape the Black Cats’ roster significantly in the coming weeks.
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