Sunderland have made an impressive start to the summer transfer business ahead of their second season back in the Championship. The Black Cats were among the surprise packages as they finished in the top-six and secured a play-off berth but suffered defeat to Luton Town over the course of two legs.
Nectarios Triantis, Jobe Bellingham, Luis Semedo and Jenson Seelt have all penned deals at the Stadium of Light and Kristkjaan Speakman has also tied down the likes of Trai Hume and Dennis Cirkin to long-term deals. This contract renewals are important pieces of business given how well the dup adapted to life in the Championship.
However, there are seven players whose contracts are set to expire in the summer of 2024 and some important players at that. Ross Stewart is the arguably the most important renewal the club can commit to this summer, with the Scottish international a key focal point in the way the Black Cats play.
The Wearsiders' exercised an option in Stewart's current contract to keep him at the club heading into next season, but talks have been ongoing over the past year to negotiate new terms. The former Ross Country frontman has attracted interest from Rangers and a number of Premier League clubs after a stellar few seasons on Wearside.
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Playmaker Patrick Roberts is another who faces an uncertain future given interest in him this summer. The former Manchester City youngster has shone since signing for the Black Cats and been an ever present in both Alex Neil and Tony Mowbray's sides - tying him down could prove vital in any promotion push.
Corry Evans signed a new one year deal in the middle of last season and the club hold an option for another year, while Alex Pritchard and Danny Batth had their options in their contracts exercised by the club.
Long-serving Lynden Gooch is approaching the 11th year of his Sunderland tenure and signed fresh terms after the League One play-off final win. There was a degree of uncertainty at the time of his renewal and that could resurface approaching the summer of 2024 given the emergence of Trai Hume at right-back - where Gooch now plys his trade.
'Mr. Reliable' Luke O'Nien will see his contract expire in the summer of 2024 and he's played just about every position there is during his Sunderland tenure. Now commonly found at centre-half, the 28-year-old is versatile to offer plenty of cover in the current squad.
