Sunderland are preparing for arguably the biggest season in their history as they embark on League One.
Sunderland fans have been reacting on social media to a whole host of players leaving the Wearsider’s either for another club or via free transfer.
The Black Cats are preparing for life in League One after back-to-back relegations and, with a new owner in Stewart Donald and a new manager in Jack Ross, Sunderland have begun a squad overhaul ahead of one of the biggest seasons in their history.
Former Eastleigh chairman Donald made it clear that that players who did not want to play for Sunderland would not remain and, alongside 42-year-old Ross, both men have made the decision to let a number of the current squad depart from the Wearside club.
Fabio Borini – AC Milan (Permanent)
The Italian forward had two spells on Wearside, making 82 appearances and scoring 14 goals. Fans had a love-hate relationship with Borini, with many questioning his desire to play for Sunderland.
The 27-year-old will move to the Italian giants, whom he spent a season on loan with last term, scoring two goals in 28 games.
Jeremain Lens – Besiktas (Permanent)
Like Borini, the 30-year-old Dutchman had his ups and downs on Wearside, scoring three goals but only making 20 appearances.
Lens spent the last two seasons of his Sunderland career out on loan at Fenerbahce and the club he will join this summer, Besiktas. However, despite only scoring one goal last season for the Turkish giants, the forward will link up with them when he leaves Sunderland in the early days of July.
Billy Jones – Free agent
After four years on Wearside, 31-year-old Jones will leave Sunderland. The former West Brom man has made 87 appearances since joining from the Baggies in 2014 and has enjoyed some elements of success.
Jones’ highlights on Wearside included some excellent wins against Sunderland’s local rivals Newcastle United.
Kazenga LuaLua – Free agent
After a dismal spell on Wearside, LuaLua will depart from the club this summer ahead of League One.
The 27-year-old only played six games last term, scoring no goals and struggling to make any impact in any of the games he featured in.
The Congolese winger joined struggling Sunderland in the January transfer window earlier this year and will move on only six months later after a poor spell.
Marc Wilson – Free agent
Irishman Wilson featured 21 times last season for Sunderland and often impressed, playing as a defender alongside captain John O’shea or in midfield when the Black Cats were hit by an injury crisis.
However, despite an above average spell at Sunderland, the former Stoke City man often looked like his leg may be deceiving him, meaning new boss Ross probably saw him best moving on from the club.
Mixed reaction has followed the departures of these players and here is the best of it:
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