The Premier League title, European qualification and relegation matters are still to be decided. Still, those in the boardrooms and on the training pitches are already thinking of next year.
With finances the way they are right now, free transfers are crucial to some clubs. Many can’t afford the fees, while clubs are happy to let players go just to get them off the wage bill.
There are dozens of soon to be out of contract players in the Premier League, but where might they go? Do the likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa dive in given the way PSR is? Alternatively, do these players seek the riches of Saudi Arabia or head off to other European leagues such as Italy?
Contracts are being arranged as we speak for some players but for now, some fancy names are out of a deal come June and you cannot overestimate the importance of Premier League experience. That makes them valuable to someone.
Big Three Could Be Clearing Out
Those nearly out of contract seem to come in clusters, from certain clubs. Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool are three examples.
Ilkay Gundogan is an example. No longer at his peak, he is still a quality player who can still do a job. His Man City teammate Kevin de Bruyne is another with a falling value but who still possesses plenty of panache. His injury record isn’t the best however and he would command top wages.
As well as Raheem Sterling, Arsenal haven’t yet handed a deal to Jorginho though he does have an option for another year. Thomas Partey is another regular contributor who could be heading for the exit.
It’s well documented that at Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk are out of contract soon. Though is Madrid is the target for Trent, plans for the other two are uncertain.
A Freshen-Up at Newcastle and Everton?
Though new deals were handed recently to Emil Krafth and Martin Dubravka, Newcastle have a bunch of players they could let go. Using PSR, the Toon have effectively been ‘saving’ for a big summer and need to make room.
Jamal Lewis, Jamaal Lascelles and Callum Wilson could all be going while Fabian Schar is also out of a deal.
Everton are entering a new era. Results have proven since David Moyes came back in that there is ability in the squad. With that, could teams be looking to steal Carlos Alcaraz, Jesper Lindstrom, Jack Harrison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Michael Keane and Armando Broja.
Coaches to Decide on Player Trajectory
With free transfers, scouts and managers need to decide whether a player is progressing or regressing. Jadon Sancho, Timo Werner, Christian Erikson, Tariq Lamptey, Josh Dasilva, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Adama Traore are just some of the players potentially allowed to leave their clubs on a free this summer.
There are definitely some names there who could be useful to even upper-end Premier League teams. Then again, Saudi could be calling.