The Premier League transfer market is about to get weird. With the World Cup on pause and clubs still figuring out their budgets, a bunch of really good players are entering the final year of their contracts. That means their current teams either have to extend them this summer or risk losing them for nothing next year. Here’s the list, ranked by how likely each guy actually leaves before the window slams shut.
Bruno Fernandes — Not Going Anywhere
Manchester United’s captain had a monster season, and yeah, his deal reportedly has a £57 million release clause. But he’s 32. Who pays that for a 32-year-old? Plus Bruno keeps saying he wants to stay at Old Trafford. The smart money is on a new deal before August.
Chris Richards — Happy but Wants a Raise
Crystal Palace learned the hard way with Marc Guehi. They let a key defender walk into his final year and lost him. Richards is reportedly happy at Selhurst Park, but the BBC says he wants a contract that matches his bigger role after Palace’s historic campaign. Talks are positive, but nothing is signed yet.
Calvin Bassey — Club Option Might Save Fulham
Fulham has a built-in safety net here: a club option for another 12 months. But Bassey started 30 league games last season and was one of their more reliable defenders. Fenerbahce is sniffing around. If Fulham is smart, they trigger that option and negotiate from a position of strength.
Lisandro Martinez — Injury Concerns Complicate Things
United’s best center-back when healthy. Problem is, he’s missed games every season since arriving at Old Trafford. He’s 28, not over the hill, but with Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven coming through, the club might decide they can live without him by next summer. Selling him now would be a terrible look though.
Curtis Jones — New Manager, Same Uncertainty
Under Arne Slot, Jones looked gone. But Liverpool has a new boss now, and things changed. Inter offered £21.7 million. Liverpool said no, reportedly wanting closer to £35 million. A new contract sounds unlikely. After losing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah on frees, Liverpool probably wants actual cash for once.
Rodri — Real Madrid Is Circling
You don’t need a crystal ball here. Rodri wants Spain. Real Madrid wants Rodri. Contract talks with City hit a snag. Nothing got done before the World Cup. Madrid specializes in letting contracts run down and then swooping in for free. That feels like the ending here, even for a Ballon d’Or winner.
Richarlison — Depends on Who Spurs Brings In
Tottenham is thin up front. Dominic Solanke gets hurt a lot. Randal Kolo Muani’s loan ended. Behind them it’s teenagers. Keeping Richarlison makes sense, but Spurs won’t want to lose him for free next summer. So either they extend him or buy someone else. Probably both.
Mats Wieffer — A Name to Watch
The 22-year-old Brighton midfielder has one year left. Newcastle reportedly sees him as a Sandro Tonali replacement. Brighton hasn’t decided on a new deal yet. The World Cup is his shop window. If Sweden goes deep, his price tag goes up.
Gabriel Martinelli — Arsenal Might Be Moving On
Arsenal won the league, but their left wing was still a problem. Martinelli played a lot but didn’t explode the way everyone expected. Eleven goals in 53 games isn’t bad, but it’s not what they need from that spot. The club is looking for an upgrade. That probably means Martinelli is the one leaving.
Jean-Philippe Mateta — Almost Gone in January
A failed medical stopped a move to Milan in the winter. Since then, Mateta worked his way back into the Palace lineup. Some reports say the club wants to extend him. But the player has made it clear he wants out. With one year left, he’ll be affordable. A good World Cup and he’s gone for real this time.
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