Cats’ contract dilemma could be ideal for Louis-Dreyfus – MacAnthony

Darragh MacAnthony says the large number of Sunderland contracts set to expire this summer is 'ideal' for new owner Kyril LouisDreyfus.

Peterborough United owner MacAnthony was asked about the issue by a Black Cats supporter on his 'Hard Truth: Inside the Football Industry' podcast.

The majority of Sunderland's current squad see their contracts expire this summer, a source of concern for many fans given that some of those players are likely to attract interest from elsewhere.

Luke O'Nien, Denver Hume and Jordan Willis are all in that category, while top scorer Charlie Wyke is another affected.

It's believed that in some cases the Black Cats have the option of an extension, but it remains a key issue for the club moving forward.

Head Coach Lee Johnson has previously said that the best scenario for the players in question is to win promotion to the Championship.

MacAnthony believes the possibility of a blank canvas this summer is 'brilliant' for the new regime on Wearside.

"It's brilliant for the new owners," he said.

"If I was buying a club tomorrow I wouldn't want to go in to one where there's a load of players on two, threeyear deals.

"As a new owner my job is tougher when there's long contracts.

"When I bought Peterborough I knew there was X amount of players with a year left and it made things easier.

"The new owners are going to be going for it big time in the summer, it's ideal in my opinion.

"You've also got players playing for their careers at the moment and that keeps them hungry and honest.

"You'll have a scenario in the summer where Lee Johnson and the board can almost take out a fresh page and say, 'who are keeping, who do we want?' I think it's ideal for Sunderland."

MacAnthony added that the situation could be particularly favourable should Sunderland win promotion this season.

"100%," MacAnthony said.

"They can go and get Championship players, Premier League loans.

"I just think for Sunderland fans it's a brilliant time and it's well deserved, because they've had some hard times."