Sunderland Women have issued their retained list for the 2025/26 season, securing a number of key players to new contracts.

Striker Eleanor Dale has signed a new deal after a hugely successful first campaign on Wearside, scoring eight goals to briefly fire the club into promotion contention before suffering a knee injury. Dale’s goals were also crucial in the club’s run to the FA Cup quarter final, where they eventually lost to Manchester United. Midfielder Katie Kitching, one of the team’s key players over the last two seasons, has also agreed a new deal.

Academy graduates Katy Watson and Libbi McInnes have agreed new deals, as well as Welsh international Ellen Jones who became a key player through last season. It leaves head coach Mel Reay with a solid foundation for the summer rebuild, with fifteen senior players under contract for next season.

There have however been a number of key departures, with academy graduate Grace Ede leaving the club. Ede has long been regarded one of the best young prospects at the club and made 60 senior appearances, but saw her game time limited last season due to the emergence of Mary Corbyn.