Sunderland are in a great position in the Championship, sitting sixth heading into the international break.
Things are going up for the Black Cats off the field as well, as they have a clear transfer plan that has centered on signing outstanding young players – and it has served them well.
Part of the strategy requires the club to safeguard all of its assets, which they have done in general, with all of their key players having multiple years left on their contracts.
Which Sunderland players are out of contract in 2024?
There were concerns about the future of one key player, Patrick Roberts, but the wide receiver put those fears to rest by signing an extension to his previous contract, which terminated in the summer of 2024.
So, while the club will be satisfied with how the roster has been managed, four players are out of contract next summer…
Alex Pritchard
There were doubts about the future of the attacking midfielder in the previous window, but he had a year to run on his contract, and he has made 13 appearances in the league this season, so he is contributing.
However, the entrance of Jobe Bellingham, among others, means Pritchard is no longer a significant figure, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he left on his own in 2024.
If that is the case, everyone associated with Sunderland will appreciate what he has done for the club over the years, and it may be time for him to leave.
But there’s a lot of football to be played between now and then, and the former Huddersfield Town man will do everything he can to win a contract extension with Sunderland. And, if they stay in the Championship, a fresh one-year contract may suit both parties, so it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Bradley Dack
The former Blackburn man reunited with Mowbray earlier this year, agreeing a one-year deal, with Sunderland also having the option to extend his contract by 12 months.
So, while Dack is currently available for free, that condition might alter if the Wearside outfit decides to activate the option, implying they’ll be quite easygoing about the whole thing.
It will ultimately be up to the player to demonstrate why the club should do so. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to contribute much thus far, as injuries have limited Dack to only six games.
Nonetheless, we know he is a quality player at this level, and fitness permitting, he might still play a significant role in Sunderland’s promotion campaign in the coming months.
Corry Evans
Evans was a reliable player for Sunderland after joining from Blackburn, playing 36 times as they won promotion from League One.
But, his season was cut short last time out after a serious knee injury picked up at the start of the year, which was a major blow for the player and the Black Cats, who have missed the leadership qualities of the 33-year-old.
He is now closing in on a return to full fitness, although Evans still isn’t expected back until 2024, and Mowbray will have to be patient with the versatile Northern Ireland international.
Due to the injury, it would appear to be very difficult for Evans to earn a new deal, but his value around the training ground and his experience means a short-term contract can’t be totally ruled out. However, it’s something that is unlikely to be sorted until closer to the summer.
Ellis Taylor
There was a lot of excitement around the 20-year-old when he signed a three-year professional contract with the club back in 2021.
And, despite progressing to the first team, it’s fair to say he hasn’t had the impact that many would have expected.
That’s not to suggest Taylor doesn’t have talent, but others look to have surpassed him in the pecking order.
Mowbray clearly rates Taylor, since he has made the bench this season, but he isn’t getting minutes, therefore it may be best for all parties if Taylor leaves when his contract expires.
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