Sunderland saw five first-team players leave the club in the summer after winning promotion to the Championship. There was an emotional farewell for Aiden McGeady who was one of the standout performers for the Black Cats during his time at the club.
The Republic of Ireland international was brought back in from the cold under Lee Johnson and helped spearhead Sunderland's promotion charge in 2020/21, helping the club win the Papa John's trophy. But, after suffering a long-term injury, McGeady left the club last summer.
Chronicle Live has taken a look at those who left the club this summer and how they've fared since.
READ MORE: Everything we know about Ross Stewart's Sunderland future as striker nears return
Aiden McGeady
The biggest name among Sunderland's released list last season was Aiden McGeady. The Black Cats talisman almost singlehandedly dragged the Wearsiders to the play-off semi-final back in 2020/21 but an injury ruled him out for large parts of last season.
The 36-year-old reunited with former Sunderland boss Lee Johnson at Hibernian this summer. McGeady made four appearances in the Scottish League Cup but has missed the entire Scottish Premiership campaign with an ankle injury.
The former Republic of Ireland international was only expected to be out for two months, but the injury is worse than first expected.
Arbenit Xhemajli
Kosovo centre-back Arbenit Xhemajli impressed on trial with Sunderland but a horror injury ruled him out for the majority of his stay on Wearside. A cruciate knee ligament injury limited the defender to just five appearances in the red and white.
However, he's had a better start to the season with his new club FC Vaduz. Xhemajli has made 11 appearances in the Swiss second tier, scoring one goal so far this season, while also featuring in their Europa Conference League campaign.
Jordan Willis
Another defender who struggled with injury problems during his time at the club, was Jordan Willis. The centre-half was spotted in the background of a video posted by the club on their social media earlier this year.
Willis is yet to find a new club after rupturing his patella tendon at Shrewsbury Town with Sunderland last season. The injury was expected to keep him out for six months, but Willis continued his rehab with the club following the expiration of his contract earlier this summer.
It's unclear whether Willis is still recovering from that injury or still around the academy, but he had spent some time analysing matches under former head coach Lee Johnson.
Lee Burge
Former Sunderland number one Lee Burge struggled to recapture the form that saw him named the best goalkeeper in League One back in 2020/21. After leaving the club this summer, Burge signed for League Two side Northampton Town and has been a mainstay in their side.
Burge has made 19 appearances in all competitions for the Cobblers this season and is their number one.
Will Grigg
Another big name exit this summer was Will Grigg. The former Northern Ireland international was never able to ignite his fire on Wearside after a big money move from Wigan Athletic.
There had been high hopes for Grigg, but he managed just eight goals in 61 appearances in a red and white shirt. Loan spells with MK Dons and Rotherham would be more fruitful, with Grigg signing for the former of the two sides earlier this summer.
The 31-year-old has scored five times in 14 appearances for Liam Manning's side this season.
Notable mentions
Sunderland also let a number of youngsters leave the Stadium of Light this summer, partly due to changes in the Premier League 2 format, which changed from and Under-23s competition to and Under-21s platform. Will Harris and Kenton Richardson both joined National League side Gateshead while Stephen Wearne joined Grimsby Town before heading to Torquay United on loan.
It's unclear what happened to defender Tyrese Dyce who was on the fringes of the first-team last season, while Patrick Almond joined Blyth Spartans after recovering from a car accident.
Think you can predict the World Cup Golden Boot Winner? If so you could WIN £150 in Nike vouchers! Enter below. If the form is not working CLICK HERE
READ NEXT
-
Hull City expecting bumper crowd for Sunderland December clash after announcement
-
Graeme Murty sees parallels with ex-Chelsea star as Sunderland plot Chris Rigg pathway amid interest
-
Sunderland give Amad Diallo platform to realise Didier Drogba prediction away from Manchester United
-
The potential break clause in Ellis Taylor's Hartlepool loan that could see him recalled
-
Sunderland defender Niall Huggins' Birmingham relief after turbulent road back from injury
