Stay or go? Fans’ view on Cats stars
While Sunderland’s focus may be on the January transfer window, they will soon be faced with some big decisions about players already in the building.
That’s because the Black Cats have a host of first-team players whose contracts will expire at the end of the current season.
Lee Johnson and his backroom staff will have some major dilemmas to consider before that point, but what would supporters do?
In a poll on our @sunechosafc Twitter page, we asked supporters what they would do - and here’s the results:
LEE BURGE
The stopper has been the club’s number one for much of the season, but found himself out the side prior to the arrival of Lee Johnson.
But having reclaimed his spot in the side, Burge looks to be a key player moving forward - with 65% of fans backing him to earn a new contract.
VERDICT: DEAL
REMI MATTHEWS
Matthews has looked shaky at times during his time on Wear side so far, and has largely played second fiddle to Burge.
It’s perhaps no surprise that 94.5% of supporters believe he hasn’t quite done enough to get a new contract.
VERDICT: NO DEAL
GRANT LEADBITTER
The experienced midfielder battled his way back into the side and has since become a key component of the side. 70.5% of fans are keen to see him extend his stay at the Stadium of Light.
VERDICT: DEAL
AIDEN McGEADY
Out of the first-team picture for much of the year, McGeady is back in the fold and looking to impress.
But some supporters don’t need convincing, with 74.3% already keen to see the winger commit his future to Sunderland.
VERDICT: DEAL
MAX POWER
The Sunderland skipper sees his deal expire in the summer, but fans believe he is deserving of a new contract - with 63.5% wanting to see talks kick-off with Power.
VERDICT: DEAL
DANNY GRAHAM
Graham is yet to really make his mark since his summer arrival, and hasn’t hit the target in the league yet either. 96.5% of fans believe he should be allowed to move on come the end of his current deal.
VERDICT: NO DEAL
JOSH SCOWEN
Scarcely seen last season, Sc owen has demon st rated his quality during the 2020/21 term and has been a key player under both Phil Parkinson and Lee Johnson.
It’ s no surprise, therefore, that 80.4% of fans want to see the midfielder handed a new contract.
VERDICT: DEAL
CHARLIE WYKE
Wyke already hasten goals to his name this term and has been far and away Sunderland’s biggest threat in front of goal.
78.3% of fans want to see his current contract extended beyond the summer.
VERDICT: DEAL
ELLIOT EMBLETON
The promising youngster may not have received the first-team opportunities he would have hoped for so far this term, but the future still looks bright for the England youth international.
80% of fans want to see Embleton handed a new contract.
VERDICT: DEAL
CHRIS MAGUIRE
Maguire has delivered some real moments of magic already this season and, while consistency may remain a concern ,72.6% of supporters feel he’ s already done enough to earn a new deal.
VERDICT: DEAL
CONOR McLAUGHLIN
Having emerged as a reliable performer in recent weeks, McLaughlin has established himself as a regular in the back four - but some supporters still aren’t convinced, with 51.2% voting against handing the Northern Ireland international a new deal.
VERDICT: NO DEAL
JORDAN WILLIS
Injury may have hampered his progress this season, but Willis’ quality is clear. Indeed. 94.4% of fans want to see him commit his future to the Black Cats.
VERDICT: DEAL
CALLUM McFADZEAN
It’s been a mixed bag from the wing-back so far, who has put in performances of varying quality thus far.
And for that reason, 53.7% of fans believe he shouldn’t be offered fresh terms.
VERDICT: NO DEAL
DENVER HUME
The academy graduate has really impressed this term and, while currently ruled out through injury, is a key man in the backline.
91.3% of fans want to see Hume pen fresh terms.
VERDICT: DEAL
LUKE O’NIEN
A huge 95% of fans want to see the versatile O’Nien pen a new deal once his current terms expire in the summer. Talk about a fan favourite!
VERDICT: DEAL
JACK DIAMOND
It’s a similarly comp rehensive verdict on Diamond too. The youngster has made his mark on the first-team in recent weeks and 96.9% of fans believe he is deserving of a new deal.
VERDICT: DEAL