NafisaTracking the 7 Sunderland Stars Who Left Permanently Last Summer – Where Are They Now?
With Sunderland riding high after securing promotion to the Premier League, the upcoming transfer window promises to be a whirlwind of activity. Several squad players are likely to move on, following in the footsteps of key talents like Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson, who have already departed. But what became of the players who left Sunderland on permanent transfers last summer? Here’s a deep dive into their journeys and performances since leaving the Stadium of Light.
Jack Clarke
The most high-profile exit from Sunderland last summer, Clarke swapped Wearside for newly promoted Ipswich Town. However, the winger found the Premier League a tough nut to crack. Despite contributing four goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions, his debut season at Portman Road ended in heartbreak as Ipswich were relegated.
Bradley Dack
Once a Tony Mowbray signing, Dack’s time at Sunderland was underwhelming, leading to a free transfer to his former club, Gillingham, in August 2024. The 31-year-old midfielder featured in 19 League Two matches, scoring once and providing one assist. Though his output was modest, Gillingham showed faith in him with a one-year contract extension last month.
Jack Diamond
Another player to leave Sunderland on a free transfer, Diamond joined Stockport County in 2024. The winger played a key role in their third-place finish in League Two, but promotion to the Championship eluded them after a play-off defeat last month.
Ellis Taylor
At just 22, academy product Taylor made a solid impression in his first season with Harrogate Town. The young attacker scored seven goals and added three assists in 36 League Two appearances. Despite his efforts, Harrogate struggled, limping to an 18th-place finish.
Elliot Embleton
Embleton’s post-Sunderland career has been a rollercoaster. After signing with Blackpool, where his first-team opportunities were limited, he moved to Carlisle United in January 2025. Unfortunately, the midfielder couldn’t halt Carlisle’s slide, and they were relegated to the National League after finishing 23rd in League Two.
Alex Bass
Largely overlooked during his Sunderland stint, Bass found a new home at Notts County, where he cemented his status as the club’s No. 1 goalkeeper. In the 2024/25 season, he made 39 League Two appearances, keeping clean sheets in a third of them, earning plaudits for his consistency.
Corry Evans
The former Sunderland captain left as a free agent last summer and signed with Bradford City in October 2024. By early 2025, he was on the move again, dropping to the National League to join Oldham Athletic. Evans played a part in Oldham’s triumphant return to the Football League, as they clinched promotion via the play-offs last month.
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