Sunderland AFC confirms that Bailey Wright has today left the Club by mutual consent.
The defender departs the Stadium of Light with immediate effect to pursue an opportunity overseas, bringing an end to a successful three-and-a-half-year stay on Wearside.
A fan favourite throughout his time in the North East, Wright represented the Club on 107 occasions in all competitions and regularly captained the Black Cats.
The defender was part of two historical wins at Wembley Stadium, featuring on four occasions in the 2020-21 Papa John’s Trophy as the Club lifted silverware in the capital for the first time since 1973.
His time at Sunderland culminated in promotion to the Sky Bet Championship in 2022, as Sheffield Wednesday and Wycombe Wanderers were defeated in the Play-Offs and the Club returned to the second tier.
Whilst on Wearside, Wright also played a part in Australia’s unforgettable 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign, as the Socceroos reached the last 16 and faced eventual winners Argentina.
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. 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 added: “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.”