As the January transfer window approaches, several Premier League players whose contracts expire at the end of the season become eligible to sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs. This allows them to negotiate moves abroad for the summer without a transfer fee.
Among the high-profile names are Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, both of whom are out of contract in June 2025. Salah has been a key figure for the Reds, while Van Dijk remains a defensive stalwart. Their potential availability on free transfers could attract interest from top European clubs.
Other notable players include Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan, whose deals also run until summer 2025. De Bruyne has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while Gündogan's future remains uncertain. Tottenham's Son Heung-min and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka are also in the final year of their contracts, though both are expected to be offered extensions.
The pre-contract rule only applies to players aged 23 or over, and clubs from outside England can approach them directly from January 1. Premier League clubs cannot sign pre-contracts with each other for domestic moves, but they can negotiate transfers during the window.
With several star players approaching free agency, the January window could see early agreements that shape the summer transfer market. Clubs will be keen to avoid losing key assets for nothing, while players may seek new challenges or improved terms.
