Sunderland must agree new contract with star man after Enzo Le Fee news
Sunderland must now focus on extending Reinildo's contract after agreeing on a new deal with key man Enzo Le Fee.
The Black Cats announced that Le Fee had extended his contract on their official social media channels on Wednesday morning.
His initial deal was not set to expire until 2029, but he has now penned improved terms to 2031 after a strong start to the season.
Regis Le Bris will be keen to see his other stars handed new deals, not least 32-year-old Reinildo, who is currently on course to leave the club next summer.
He has been a reliable performer for Sunderland since joining on a free transfer after their promotion to the top flight and is clearly deserving of fresh terms too.
The Mozambique international remains Le Bris' first choice left-back but will not be short of offers if they allow his contract to run down into its final six months.
New contract for Reinildo should be a priority for Sunderland chiefs
Sunderland pulled off a real coup in getting Reinildo's signature over the line last year just months after their promotion from the Championship.
The left-back was coming off a season that had seen him play 30 times for Atletico Madrid, racking up over 100 appearances in his three-and-a-half seasons with the Spanish giants.
He was a mainstay last season when fit, and has started this campaign in fine form despite an uncertain contract situation.
The 32-year-old is among the highest-performing PL fullbacks so far for expected assists (0.32), line-breaking passes (12.8) per 90 and successful cross percentage (33.3).
He has also won six duels per 90, 2.25 aerial duels per 90 and ranks consistently highly for interceptions per 90 (2), recoveries per 90 (4.5) and clearances per 90 (3).
It seems a complete no-brainer for Sunderland to at least offer Reinildo an extension to his current contract, particularly as he could be important to helping Dayann Methalie progress following his summer move.
Which other Sunderland players are out of contract in 2027?
Reinildo seems the most likely of Sunderland's out-of-contract stars to earn a new deal ahead of next summer.
Luke O'Nien is the other who may be handed the chance to stay on longer than this season, with the club having an option to automatically extend his deal by one year.
Fringe players Alan Browne, Abdoullah Ba and Aji Alese all seem set to leave the club, while 36-year-old backup goalkeeper Simon Moore may be given an opportunity to continue his career on Wearside for at least another season.