Nothing lasts forever in the Premier League. One minute you’re watching a young Steven Gerrard boss the midfield for Liverpool, next thing you know, he’s retired and staring from the Villa dugout at Everton’s new boss Frank Lampard.
Players retire. They move on to European clubs, or they drop through the leagues as their careers come to an end. And without some new contracts, it’s entirely possible that the upcoming season might be the last for some of the Premier League’s top names. Better buy those Premier League tickets quick.
Chelsea
With Arsenal signing their young stars to long contracts, the first port of call for outgoing legends of the game is Stamford Bridge. This could be the last appearance in blue for World Cup winner N’golo Kante, along with Jorginho, Marcos Alonso and Thiago Silva. With the Blues’ new owners in place, one or more of these players may be re-signed, but we could be on the verge of a new-look Chelsea. Best get those Chelsea tickets soon.
Liverpool
You have to think that Liverpool are on the cusp of announcing some new extensions for their players, because it’d be unbelievable for the club to lose Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino on free transfers. However, time might be up for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, whose current Reds contracts expire in summer 2003. Will the Ox need to buy Liverpool tickets to get into Anfield in 18 months time?
Manchester City
Much like Liverpool, City are cutting it fine with their stars. And while incoming Erling Haaland will command a massive wage, the league’s richest club don’t need to cash in by selling Raheem Sterling, Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez or Gabriel Jesus. You’d think one or more of those players will be offered new terms at The Etihad, but getting your Manchester City tickets will ensure you’re taking no chances if they’re not.
Manchester United
Another team who could be rebuilding are Manchester United. And while new manager Erik ten Hag will want to take a closer look at Nemanja Matic, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and David de Gea, it’s not unthinkable that this could be their final season at Old Trafford (unless they purchase Manchester United tickets of course). And with Messi’s PSG deal expiring too, could we see the two best players of their generation, Mess and Ronaldo, finally united in the MLS?
And the Rest…
Like Arsenal, Spurs have all of their best players tied to long-term contracts, with Kane and Son staying at White Hart Lane unless someone can flash some serious cash. But elsewhere in the league, Leicester’s Kasper Schmeichel and Jamie Vardy and Crystal Palace’s Wilfred Zaha are all approaching the ends of their contracts.
What do you think? Are we about to see a spate of contract announcements? Or could this really be the last chance to see some of the league’s current greats? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for certain. You don’t want to miss the upcoming season of action, no matter who’s playing!
