Key duo already contracted for next season, Sunderland confirm

Sunderland have already signed up experienced duo Danny Batth and Alex Pritchard for next season, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has confirmed.

Batth and Pritchard are rarities in the Sunderland squad in that they have plenty of experience and Championship know-how.

Both were due to be out of contract this summer according to the deals they signed when they first arrived at the club.

However, Speakman has confirmed both also had club options to automatically extend those deals, which were not reported at the time of signing, and they have already been activated.

"With both of those players, there are automatic extension clauses which carry over for them for next season," Speakman told the Sunderland Echo.

"So they are technically re-registered for next season."

Batth and Pritchard have been solid and reliable players for Sunderland, with both playing a key role in getting the club out of League One last season.

Pritchard has missed the last few games with injury, and Patrick Roberts has been in sparkling form in his place. He will struggle to regain his place, least immediately, but remains a quality performer.

Batth, meanwhile, is the crucial experienced voice that marshals Sunderland’s talented young defence, so having both signed up for next season is a considerable boost.

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