Several high-profile Premier League players are entering the final year of their contracts, with their futures at their respective clubs uncertain unless new deals are agreed before next summer.
Manchester United duo face uncertain futures
Lisandro Martinez, the Argentine defender signed from Ajax by Erik ten Hag, has struggled with injuries throughout his United career. Across four seasons, he has surpassed 20 Premier League appearances only once, in his debut campaign. He has spent 609 days on the sidelines and is currently facing another spell out with a hamstring problem following the World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes, the 2025/26 Premier League Player of the Season, is out of contract next summer. Despite ongoing talks, Galatasaray are among the most prominent suitors. Fernandes recorded a record-breaking 21 assists last season, the most in a single Premier League campaign, and scored nine league goals. A reported £700,000-a-week offer from Saudi Arabia was made last summer, but he opted to stay in the north west of England.
Arsenal and Liverpool stars in spotlight
Gabriel Martinelli, who impressed during the 2022/23 campaign with 15 goals and six assists, has not surpassed those numbers since. His 2025/26 season was his worst since 2020/21, managing just one Premier League goal in 30 appearances. Arsenal's failed pursuit of Vinicius Jr may offer the 25-year-old a lifeline, but this season is pivotal for the club's No.11.
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's captain, is entering the final year of his contract. The Dutchman, set to turn 36 next summer, has earned the right to decide how and when he brings his Liverpool career to a close. Harvey Elliott, another Liverpool player, faces an uncertain future after a disastrous loan spell at Aston Villa, where he was not part of Unai Emery's plans. With the departure of Slot, the 23-year-old has a potential lifeline at the club he grew up supporting, but competition for places remains fierce.
City, Brighton, and Palace stars could leave for free
Jack Grealish, who played a key role in Manchester City's treble-winning 2022/23 campaign, has not justified his £100m transfer fee or reported £300,000-a-week wages. Excluded from City's pre-season squad despite appearing in the Community Shield defeat by Arsenal, a new contract looks highly unlikely.
Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton, who could have earned the club £75m from a Saudi offer over 18 months ago, may now walk away for free. After registering just three league goals last season, this could be a pivotal season for the 29-year-old. Brighton's Yasin Ayari, who featured 29 times in the league last season, could also leave for nothing after Nottingham Forest's reported £20m bid was rejected.
Crystal Palace face the prospect of losing Jean-Phillipe Mateta, who agreed a contract with AC Milan but remains at the club with his deal expiring in 2027. Chris Richards, part of a formidable centre-back trio alongside Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix, could also leave for free after both departed, with Lacroix moving to Chelsea in a reported £52m move.
Calvin Bassey, who has 101 appearances for Fulham since his move from Ajax in 2023, is on the cusp of leaving the Premier League. Fenerbahce were previously linked with the 26-year-old, but new boss Alvaro Arbeloa should consider an extension as Bassey enters his prime years.
