Apart from Tommy Watson’s departure to join Brighton in a deal agreed earlier this year, all of Sunderland’s first team players have been retained.
That doesn’t include loanees Chris Mepham and Salis Abdul Samed, who have both returned to their parent clubs.
It’s not clear at this stage whether the Black Cats will look to pursue permanent deals for either player this summer.
Mepham played a starring role, making 40 appearances and coming off the bench in just the second minute in the play-off final after Luke O’Nien dislocated his shoulder. Sheffield United have been linked with a summer move for the Bournemouth defender. His contract with the Cherries is due to expire this summer but the Premier League club have the option of a year extension.
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Samed made just 11 appearances in an injury disrupted season but Sunderland said the Lens midfielder “became an equally important figure in the dressing room throughout the campaign”.
Watson has joined Brighton on the back of his heroic stoppage time winner at Wembley.
Sunderland have confirmed six exits, with under-21 players Ben Crompton, Cuba Mitchell, Caden Kelly, and Kelechi Chibueze all moving on. Second year scholars Aaron Chung and Daniel Parker also departing.
Ben Middlemas, Oliver Bainbridge, Marshall Burke, and Daniel Cameron have agreed one-year extensions, while Ethan Moore and Timur Tutierov have been offered new terms.
Sunderland have also offered Ben Kindon, Ben Metcalf, Jack Whittaker, and Jaydon Jones their first professional contracts.
Sunderland said in a statement: “All at SAFC thank each departing player for their respective contributions, and we wish them well in the next chapter of their careers.”
