As we head into the new year, the Premier League finds itself in the midst of contract uncertainties, with numerous players entering the final year of their contracts. This impending free agency could have a major impact on both club strategies and transfer dynamics, as many high-profile players may be heading for the exit doors. In this article, we explore the most notable Premier League players whose contracts are set to expire in 2025, and the potential ramifications for their clubs.
Liverpool‘s Contract Conundrum: Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Van Dijk
Liverpool, who have been one of the dominant forces in English football during the 2024/25 season, are facing significant contract negotiations with several of their star players. The futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk remain in the balance, and the club must act swiftly to ensure they do not lose these key players for nothing in the summer of 2025.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: A Potential Move to Real Madrid?
Trent Alexander-Arnold is arguably the most coveted of Liverpool’s expiring-contract players. The English right-back, known for his creativity and pinpoint passing, has attracted the attention of top European clubs, including Real Madrid. Reports suggest that Real Madrid have already made inquiries about the Liverpool academy product, and the player himself may be open to a new challenge. Should he decide to leave Anfield, Liverpool would face a tough decision allowing one of their most valuable assets to walk away for free or negotiating a sale in the coming months.
Mohamed Salah: A Long-Standing Superstar at Risk of Departure
Mohamed Salah has been the face of Liverpool’s attack for several years, but as his contract nears its expiration, speculation about his future has intensified. Salah’s performances continue to be of the highest quality, but his wage demands and the club’s desire to rebuild for the future could create a dilemma. While it seems unlikely that Liverpool would let Salah leave without significant compensation, if they fail to secure a new deal, he could walk for free in 2025, presenting a major loss for the club.
Virgil van Dijk: The Defensive Rock at a Crossroads
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s defensive linchpin, is another player whose future is uncertain. As one of the best central defenders in the world, Van Dijk’s potential departure would leave a massive void in Liverpool’s backline. However, with his age and injury history starting to mount, the club may be reluctant to offer him a lucrative long-term deal. If the two parties cannot come to an agreement, Van Dijk could be another player who departs on a free transfer in 2025.
Manchester City’s Dilemma: Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan
Manchester City have been the benchmark for success in recent years, but their future is clouded by the contracts of two key players, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan. Both midfield maestros are entering the final year of their contracts, and their departures would represent a massive shift in the City squad.
Kevin De Bruyne: A Potential Exit From the Etihad?
Kevin De Bruyne’s passing and vision have made him one of the best midfielders in the world, and his influence on Manchester City’s success cannot be overstated. However, his age, combined with recent injury concerns, may prompt City to reconsider offering him a long-term deal. If negotiations break down, the Belgian could join the ranks of high-profile free agents in 2025, a development that would undoubtedly attract interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
Ilkay Gundogan: A Quiet Leader Who Could Leave for Nothing
Ilkay Gundogan has been a quietly integral part of Manchester City’s midfield, providing both defensive cover and attacking thrust. However, with his contract nearing its expiration, there is growing uncertainty about his future at the Etihad Stadium. The German international has expressed his loyalty to the club, but as he ages, City may look to refresh their midfield. If no agreement is reached, Gundogan could leave City in 2025, which would be a significant loss for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min: The Uncertain Future of a Club Icon
Son Heung-min has been a talismanic figure for Tottenham Hotspur for many years. However, his form has dipped in recent times, and there are questions about his future at the club. Son’s contract is set to expire in 2025, and with the club’s long-term direction uncertain, Spurs may not offer the South Korean forward a new deal, especially if his performances continue to decline. While he remains a fan favorite, Tottenham’s management could look to cash in on his value before he becomes a free agent, or alternatively, let him leave on a Bosman transfer.
Other Premier League Players in the Final Year of Their Contracts
It’s not just the elite clubs that face key contract decisions. Several mid-tier and lower-table clubs are also at risk of losing important players for nothing in 2025. Here are some of the players whose futures are up in the air:
Christian Norgaard (Brentford)
Christian Norgaard has been a vital player for Brentford since joining the club, and his contract is set to expire in 2025. As one of the Bees’ most influential midfielders, Brentford will likely attempt to extend his stay, but if an agreement is not reached, Norgaard could be available for free next summer.
Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)
Chris Wood’s contract situation is also one to watch. The New Zealand striker, who has been a regular for Nottingham Forest, is yet to sign an extension. While he may not be a marquee player, his potential departure would leave Forest needing to find a replacement.
Fabian Schar (Newcastle United)
Newcastle United’s Fabian Schar is another player with an uncertain future. The Swiss international has been a key figure in the Magpies’ defense but is yet to extend his contract. With Newcastle making strides in the Premier League, losing Schar on a free transfer would be a blow to the club’s ambitions.
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace)
Tyrick Mitchell, one of the brightest young left-backs in the Premier League, is another player whose contract situation requires attention. If Palace fail to secure an extension, Mitchell could find himself leaving the club for free, with several top-tier clubs likely to come calling.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
Although Jamie Vardy is now into the twilight of his career, his contract at Leicester City is set to expire in 2025. Vardy’s goalscoring record has been remarkable, but at 37 years old, his future is uncertain. Leicester may offer him a new deal, but with the club in flux, Vardy’s future remains unclear.
Manchester United: Amad Diallo and Harry Maguire
Manchester United have several players in the final year of their contracts, including Amad Diallo and Harry Maguire.
Amad Diallo: A Rising Star Who Needs a New Deal
Amad Diallo has shown glimpses of his potential at Manchester United, and many believe he could be a future star for the club. However, with his contract expiring in 2025, United must act quickly to secure his future. Given the lack of clear direction under the club’s management, it remains to be seen whether they will prioritize keeping Diallo long-term.
Harry Maguire: A High-Profile Decision
Harry Maguire’s time at Manchester United has been fraught with ups and downs. Once seen as the club’s captain and defensive leader, Maguire has struggled for form in recent years. Despite a potential resurgence under new manager Ruben Amorim, his future at the club is in doubt, with his contract running out in 2025. If United do not offer him an extension, Maguire could be another big-name player leaving the club for free.
Conclusion: A Busy Summer Ahead in 2025
With so many Premier League players entering the final year of their contracts, 2025 looks set to be a summer of high-profile free transfers. Clubs across the league will be working hard to secure extensions for their key players, while also bracing for the potential departures of some of their most important assets. From Liverpool’s dilemma with Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Van Dijk, to Manchester City’s possible loss of De Bruyne and Gundogan, the stakes are high. Additionally, clubs like Tottenham, Brentford, and Leicester must address their own contract situations to avoid losing key figures for nothing.
As January 2025 begins, the clock is ticking for these players and their clubs to make decisions that could reshape the landscape of the Premier League for years to come.
