Sunderland has announced its retained list for the 2025-26 season. Chris Mepham and Salis Abdul Samed will return to their parent clubs following their season-long loans at the Stadium of Light. Mepham will go back to Bournemouth, and Samed will return to Lens.
The two players combined to play 51 games for Sunderland during the 2024-25 season. Mepham featured in 26 matches, providing strong defensive support. Samed appeared in 25 games, contributing effectively in midfield.
With Mepham and Samed leaving, Sunderland will now look to strengthen its squad for the upcoming season. Both Bournemouth and Lens are expected to reintegrate the players into their teams after their experience gained at Sunderland.
This development marks the end of their loan spells and signals new changes for Sunderland’s squad as the club prepares for the next campaign.
