Sunderland defender Bailey Wright has left the Stadium of Light to pursue an opportunity oversees. The Australian international has mutually agreed his departure from the club after a three-and-a-half year spell.
Wright made 107 appearances in a red and white shirt and was part of the Black Cats side that won promotion back to the Championship in 2022. A lack of game time meant the 30-year-old spent last season on loan with Championship side Rotherham United and had been linked with a move back to the Millers this summer, but his future appears to lie elsewhere.
Wright said: “I’ve loved my time at Sunderland and I’ve had some incredible experiences with some great people. 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. I want to say thank you to the fans for the support I’ve had since day one.
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"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.”
Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: “I can’t speak highly enough of Bailey. 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.”
