BAILEY WRIGHT has left Sunderland by mutual consent and is set to sign for a new club overseas.

Wright was about to enter the final year of his contract on Wearside, but has instead opted to leave the Black Cats after a three-and-a-half year spell at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland head coach, Tony Mowbray, allowed the Australian centre-half to join Rotherham United on loan in the second half of last season, and did not want to stand in his way as he looks to pursue alternative avenues this summer.

The Black Cats are well stocked in the centre-half department having already completed the signing of Nectarios Triantis and Jenson Seelt this summer, with the pair joining Danny Batth, Dan Ballard, Aji Alese and Luke O’Nien in the first-team squad.

“I’ve loved my time at Sunderland and I’ve had some incredible experiences with some great people,” said Wright, who initially joined the Black Cats on loan from Bristol City in January 2020 before completing a permanent move the following summer. “I look back on what has been an incredible journey – the highs of Wembley wins to the lows that came before – and I wouldn’t change a thing about my experience.

“You want to try and leave an impression and ensure the club is in a better place than when you found it, and I feel like I’ve been part of a group that has done that.

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“I want to say thank you to the fans for the support I’ve had since day one. It’s a special club that’s moving in the right direction and my family have loved living here and being a part of that. I hope you enjoy the years ahead and that there are many more successes to come.”

Wright made 107 senior appearances for Sunderland, a significant proportion of which were as captain.

He enjoyed two wins at Wembley, featuring in the Papa John’s Trophy win and the play-off final, with promotion from League One representing the high point of his time on Wearside.

His final appearance for the club proved to be a substitute outing in January’s home win over Middlesbrough, with his subsequent loan spell at Rotherham being curtailed by injury.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Bailey,” said Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman. “His contribution and conduct throughout my time at SAFC has been exemplary and he is a top professional.

“Players and staff alike will miss Bailey’s presence within the Academy of Light and I know just how highly regarded he is amongst our fan base, which further highlights the impact he has made on and off the pitch.

“This is an exciting opportunity for him to continue his career overseas and after all that he has given Sunderland throughout the past three years, we didn’t want to stand in his way. He has made a lasting impact at the club and we wish him well in the next chapter of his career.”