The six Sunderland players out of contract next summer

Sunderland are set to play Championship football for the first time since 2018 next season with excitement already building on Wearside.

The hope for Alex Neil's side is that they can stabilise themselves back in the second tier of English football next season with an experienced squad at the Scotsman's disposal.

However, there are a number of key players for the Black Cats who are out of contract next summer, which means Championship survival is imperative if Sunderland want to continue to build.

ChronicleLive takes a look at who is out of contract for the Black Cats next summer.

Striker Ross Stewart is the headline name out of contract next summer at the Stadium of Light. The forward, who recently made his Scotland debut, scored 26 goals in 53 appearances for Sunderland last season, spearheading the Black Cats attack.

The 25-year-old bagged himself a goal at Wembley too to finish off a stellar season for Alex Neil's side as Sunderland earned promotion with a 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers in the League One play-off final.

Good performances from Stewart will be key to helping Sunderland stabilise their place back in the Championship. If they fail to stay up and Stewart impresses, they could lose him for free next summer, which means tying the forward down to a new deal is imperative for Neil and co.

With 14 assists in all competitions last season, Alex Pritchard is one of the Black Cats best creative outlets.

The winger featured in 47 games for Sunderland and played in every one of their play-off games. He was instrumental in the final against Wycombe too, bagging two assists as Sunderland earned promotion.

At 29, Sunderland may be unsure on whether or not to keep Pritchard around due to his age. His contract is set