Some of the biggest names in the Premier League will enter the final 12 months of their contracts in the summer and clubs face a huge decision on whether to sell now or run the risk of losing star players on a free in 2025.
Here are eight big Premier League names who are out of contract in 2025.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
It’s going to be a massive summer at Liverpool. If Jurgen Klopp’s exit was not seismic enough, the Reds have arguably their three biggest names heading into the final year of their contracts at Anfield.
Among them is club captain Virgil van Dijk, who was a standout performer in the club’s title challenge this season and scored the decisive goal in the Carabao Cup final. With Arne Slot expected to take charge at Liverpool, the incoming boss will be keen to discuss the future of his compatriot. Van Dijk will turn 33 in the summer, but at present remains one of the best defenders in Europe and has said he is keen to remain part of the new era.
Virgil van Dijk is the highest rated centre-back in the Premier League this season ????
(h/t @WhoScored) pic.twitter.com/CyxCsazAqc
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) May 14, 2024
“There is nothing for me to discuss because there is no news,” Van Dijk said on his future to TNT Sports earlier this month.
“I think the club is very much busy with who is going to be the new manager and that is the main focus. I am very happy here, I love the club and you can see that as well. It’s a big part of my life already. The focus is now on the last two games and then the club will focus on who the new manager is. There will be a big transition and I am part of that.
“There will be a lot of changes happening and, I wouldn’t say scary is the right word, but it is quite interesting and exciting what will happen now.”
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Could Kevin De Bruyne’s time at Manchester City come to an end in the summer? There has been no update on a contract extension for the Belgium international, with clubs in MLS and the Middle East linked with the midfielder.
De Bruyne has struggled with fitness issues this season but, when fit, has been in outstanding form with 17 assists across all competitions. He set up Erling Haaland’s opener at Spurs as City edged closer to the title this week, moving above Cesc Fabregas and into second for all-time assists in the Premier League.
Only two players have provided 10+ assists in six Premier League seasons:
◎ Cesc Fabregas
◉ Kevin De BruyneIt’s taken KDB just 17 games to reach double figures in 2023/24. ???? pic.twitter.com/ZIdmS4Z5em
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 14, 2024
Pep Guardiola’s side have been linked with long-term replacements including West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, though it would be a surprise if De Bruyne departed in the summer.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Liverpool resisted interest from the Saudi Pro League in Mohamed Salah a year ago, turning down an offer in the region of £150m. The Egyptian has responded with another impressive campaign, scoring 18 times and providing 10 assists in the Premier League.
???? | Mohamed Salah has created 23 big chances in the Premier League this season. That’s the most any player has created in Europe’s top 5 leagues, with the next being Bruno Fernandes (20).
He has just 6 assists from those 23… pic.twitter.com/3dXlsEsk2Y
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) May 14, 2024
Much could hinge on whether Salah decides on a new challenge after seven seasons at Anfield and talks with the incoming manager could determine his future. If another mammoth offer arrives and Salah shows a willingness to head to the Middle East, an exit could materialise despite his continued productivity in a Liverpool shirt.
Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
Tottenham were forced to cash in on Harry Kane last summer as the forward entered the final 12 months of his deal but are in a better position this time around. The North Londoners have an optional one-year extension clause in the contract of Son Heung-min, who was named captain last summer.
The 31-year-old has 17 goals and nine assists in the Premier League this season and could move into a centre-forward position permanently under Ange Postecoglou.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
The third big name on Liverpool’s list of contract priorities. Alexander-Arnold came through the ranks at Liverpool and has since made 309 appearances for his boyhood side. Named as vice-captain last summer, the 25-year-old is approaching the peak seasons of his career and Liverpool will want those years spent at Anfield.
A new long-term deal will be a focus for the returning Michael Edwards and soon-to-be sporting director Richard Hughes, who can not afford for a player of Alexander-Arnold’s quality to leave on a free transfer in 2025. Real Madrid, however, are sniffing around.
????⚪️ Real Madrid are monitoring Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation at Liverpool.
Current deal expires in June ’25 with no talks underway as of now.
Liverpool have not indicated any desire to sell at this stage.
There’s no indication of player’s views so far. pic.twitter.com/2rCywx2yjH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 22, 2024
Ivan Toney (Brentford)
All roads appear to lead to a transfer for Ivan Toney at the end of the campaign. The Brentford forward has made no secret of his desire for a new challenge and will have considerable suitors higher up the division.
Toney has scored 36 goals in 82 top-flight appearances since Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League and scored his first international goal for England during March’s break. An 11-game run without scoring could cost Toney his place on the plane for Euro 2024, though it’s unlikely to dissuade interested clubs with West Ham and Spurs leading the chase. Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked, while Brentford have already secured a replacement with the £30m capture of Igor Thiago from Club Brugge.
“Back with a BANG!” ????
Ivan Toney scores on his return! ???? pic.twitter.com/QmarvV2OvK
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 20, 2024
Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s excessive spending means sales are likely this summer to address the financial balance and Conor Gallagher could be a high-profile casualty.
The midfielder would count as pure profit on the balance sheet given his status as an academy graduate and could be sacrificed despite a prominent role in Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Spurs are keen on a deal for the England international, who could cost in the region of £50m.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)
Everton face a decision on the future of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. After two injury-plagued seasons, the striker has returned to fitness this time around with 32 appearances in the Premier League.
Though his form has been patchy, a flurry of goals across the run-in helped confirm Everton’s top-flight status for the 71st consecutive campaign, despite having eight points deducted for financial breaches.
Sean Dyche will be planning with the 27-year-old as part of his squad, though a new deal must be agreed in the summer. Everton, given recent events, can not afford to lose the England international for nothing.
Four goals in his last five games. ????
DCL9 ???? pic.twitter.com/vEtBgYtUPQ
— Everton (@Everton) May 3, 2024
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