By Team Sports Kida 
As the 2025/26 Premier League season unfolds, attention is already turning to next summer’s potential free transfers. Once a player’s contract enters its final six months, they are free to negotiate a move with clubs outside England, creating a window of opportunity for both players and interested teams. Several high-profile Premier League names are entering this stage of their contracts, with some of Europe’s biggest clubs reportedly circling.
Chelsea and Arsenal: Stability at the Top
Chelsea remain in a strong position regarding contracts. Known for offering long-term deals to their stars, no Blues player is currently approaching the end of their deal ahead of next summer, ensuring squad stability. Similarly, Arsenal have focused on extending contracts for key players, and with no major free-agent exits expected, Mikel Arteta’s side can now concentrate fully on their on-pitch ambitions rather than off-pitch negotiations. They are arguably the most stable club in the league at the moment, and their on-filed performances reflect that as they are the hot favourites to win the title in the football betting markets.
Crystal Palace: The Marc Guehi Saga
Arguably the most talked-about contract situation is at Crystal Palace, where England centre-back Marc Guehi has yet to sign a new deal. Palace famously blocked his transfer to Liverpool on Deadline Day, but with no fresh contract in place, Guehi looks set to leave Selhurst Park next summer. Interest from Liverpool remains, but European giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City are also monitoring the situation. Palace also risk losing Daichi Kamada, who joined as a free agent in 2024, and young midfielder Naouirou Ahamada could follow suit if opportunities remain limited. Veteran Nathaniel Clyne may also depart in search of more regular playing time, while Jefferson Lerma’s deal includes an optional extension.
Liverpool: Konate and Robertson in Focus
Liverpool could face significant departures with Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson both entering the final months of their contracts. Konate, the French centre-back, has reportedly attracted attention from Real Madrid for a free transfer next summer, though a January move is unlikely. Robertson, the experienced Scottish full-back, has indicated he is relaxed about his future, but Atletico Madrid have shown past interest, and negotiations may be revisited. Backup goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, signed on a free transfer this summer, has an option to extend his contract for an additional year.
Manchester City: Bernardo Silva and Stones
At the Etihad, Bernardo Silva is another high-profile star who could be on the move for free next summer. The Portuguese midfielder has stated he remains focused on the current season but is aware of his options, keeping top European clubs on alert. John Stones, the England centre-back, is also approaching the end of his deal, while third-choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is unlikely to extend his stay, given limited playing opportunities.
Manchester United: Maguire and Casemiro
Manchester United have Harry Maguire, who is nearing free-agent status but remains a useful squad member under Ruben Amorim. Casemiro’s contract includes an optional extension, but the club may choose not to renew it to free up space in midfield, reflecting ongoing squad restructuring. Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton, now 40, is also set to leave upon contract expiry.
Other Premier League Clubs Facing Free Transfers
Several other clubs are navigating similar situations. At Everton, James Garner and Michael Keane are key squad members with potential contract extensions, while Vitaliy Mykolenko’s future is under review. Seamus Coleman, the 36-year-old club legend, may also opt to extend for another season.
Fulham have Ryan Sessegnon and Harry Wilson whose futures could be decided by their performances and club negotiations, while forwards Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore continue to compete for playing time. Leeds United are likely to see Illan Meslier leave after falling out of favour, with Sam Byram and Karl Darlow also nearing the ends of deals or roles.
Brentford’s Vitaly Janelt is expected to depart, while Rico Henry, Mathias Jensen, and Josh Dasilva have options to extend. Brighton’s Adam Webster, Lewis Dunk, and Joel Veltman may also face uncertain futures, particularly as injuries impact squad depth. Burnley’s Martin Dubravka, Josh Laurent, and Vaclav Hladky could also leave, depending on the club’s league status next season.
Newcastle have Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier entering contract final months, with Emil Krafth, Max Thompson, and Mark Gillespie unlikely to feature heavily in first-team plans. Nottingham Forest’s Angus Gunn and Willy Boly, Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin, Dan Neil, Bertrand Traore, and Jay Matete, as well as Tottenham’s Ben Davies and Yves Bissouma, could all depart if clubs choose not to extend.
West Ham face potential exits in Callum Wilson, Guido Rodriguez, and Andrew Irving, while Wolverhampton Wanderers are reviewing the futures of Ki-Jana Hoever and Matt Doherty amid concerns over relegation.
Key Takeaways
The 2026 summer window promises to be one of the busiest yet for free transfers in the Premier League. Clubs must navigate a combination of contract negotiations, squad planning, and player ambitions, all while balancing the financial impact of losing key talent for free. Big-name players like Marc Guehi, Bernardo Silva, and Ibrahima Konate could change the landscape of the league, either moving abroad or within Europe without transfer fees, providing opportunities for both buyers and sellers to reshape squads strategically.
As January approaches, clubs outside England will also be able to open pre-contract talks with these players, potentially securing signings for next season at no cost. With so many high-profile names and rising stars approaching the end of their deals, the Premier League could see significant movement, with top clubs, both domestically and in Europe, ready to capitalise on opportunities presented by free transfers.
Fans should keep a close eye on the evolving situations at Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Manchester City, and across the league, as negotiations and rumours will dominate headlines in the months ahead. The next summer window is shaping up to be crucial not just for player futures, but for the competitive balance of the Premier League as a whole.
Editor