Sunderland have released winger Bertrand Traore, who joined the club from Ajax last summer, after just one season. The 30-year-old played only 23 minutes of action for the Black Cats since mid-December due to injuries. Traore injured his knee while away with Burkina Faso at the African Cup of Nations before suffering a recurrence of that in just his second game back for Sunderland. His last appearance came in the win at Leeds on March 3, and the club have now confirmed they have declined to take up the option of triggering a 12-month extension to his deal. Meanwhile, former captain Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, and Niall Huggins will all also depart the Stadium of Light this month.