There is a large degree of uncertainty surrounding Sunderland and where they’ll be at the end of May.
If they continue on their upward trajectory they could well be back in the Championship. However, whether they do that with a host of players who have played pivotal parts this term remains to be seen.
That’s because no fewer than eight first-team members are out of contract at the climax of the 2019/20 campaign.
The list is extensive but it should also be worrying. The names among it include Joel Lynch and Chris Maguire, as well as Tom Flanagan and Alim Ozturk. Luke O’Nien is another player to feature.
But the most concerning of them all should be Jon McLaughlin.
The goalkeeper has become a pillar of mass importance in the Sunderland side this season, establishing himself between the sticks as one of the most competent stoppers in the division.
The 32-year-old has conceded a number of goals – 25 in 30 – but he has been nothing short of exceptional in recent months.
With Sunderland winning seven of their last nine matches, McLaughlin has kept seven clean sheets in that time.
It’s form that sees the 6 foot 3 man rank as one of the best goalkeepers in the country. No one in England’s top four leagues has kept more shut-outs in 2020 than the Scot.
A new contract must surely be on the horizon, but according to the player it’s not looking too hopeful. During an interview in January, the he commented: “From my side, we have no idea [where the contract talks are at] and we have no control over that.
“At the start of the summer it looked very positive. It looked like they really wanted to get something done but it’s gone very quiet very quickly.”
The fact that all talks have gone quiet is incredibly risky. McLaughlin might be 32 but the better years for a goalkeeper often come at this point in their career. He’s proven his qualities this season by marshalling a successful defence and he must be given fresh terms.
For away day veterans only: Can you name all of these defunct stadiums?
Parkinson added to the debate last weekend: “Jon is someone we would like to keep. He is performing well but he has to keep his standards high and when the chairman is ready he will deal with that situation.”
However, the owner needs to be ready to deal with the situation now, something he has so far refused to do. McLaughlin’s contract expires in the summer so if they wait any longer he’ll be leaving on a free transfer.
Considering his influence in recent months, it would be a bitter blow.
Meanwhile, Alan Nixon has provided a HUGE update on Sunderland’s takeover situation…