Bailey Wright speaks out on fresh agreement at Sunderland | OneFootball

Bailey Wright signed a new two-year contract at Sunderland on Wednesday to put an end to growing concerns that the Australian centre back would not stick around for 2022/23.

Wright’s performance levels went through the roof after Alex Neil replaced Lee Johnson in the dugout on Wearside, and his partnership with Danny Batth at the heart of defence was crucial to the Black Cats’ play-off triumph.

Sunderland also strengthened their backline with the addition of Daniel Ballard on Thursday, ensuring that there will be healthy competition for places at the Stadium of Light next season.

Wright took to Instagram to express his emotions after committing his future to Sunderland.

“Excited for the future.”

🔗 Instagram

Due to the size of the club and the momentum they built at the business end of last season, more is expected of the Black Cats next season than would usually be the case for a newly promoted team.

There is a healthy portion of the squad with experience playing in the Championship before, and they will be vital in helping what is a fairly youthful squad make the step up.

The Verdict

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This was an essential piece of business for the Black Cats to complete before pre-season really gathers pace, and if Wright can carry on his form from the back end of last season, he will be a huge player in helping the club make the transition.

Neil initially focused on shoring up the defence to ensure that the Black Cats finished in the top six last season to begin with, and that made Wright a huge part of his plans, where the Aussie had not been prioritised in that way under Johnson.

The 29-year-0ld is more of a no nonsense defender than a ball player, but for what Sunderland need to do to make things comfortable for themselves next season, he is a perfect player to have in the dressing room.