Free agents face a summer of uncertainty as their contracts are due to expire at the end of June and many are set to leave the Premier League.
Players appear to be in a state of limbo as the Premier League is showing no sign of an imminent return. Raising the question, what will happen next for them?
The Premier League is continuously reiterating their desire to finish the season and are trying to distance themselves from a null and void season. This poses the possibility that the league will be extended, however, it may potentially occur after the 30th of June.
If this were to be the case, then surely FIFA would have to take these expired contracts into account.
Could there be the possibility of signing a one-year extension or agreeing to stay until the league has finished? With this in mind, I have selected my top five players whose contracts are currently set to expire.
Willian
In 2019/20, he has made 37 appearances in which he has scored seven goals and made six assists in all competitions.
Willian has been someone Frank Lampard has been able to call upon this season. Having featured in 28 league games of which seven came from the bench. The 31-year-old winger has brought some much-needed experience to the Chelsea side, putting faith back in the younger players.
If Willian were to leave Chelsea, they would be losing a two-time Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League winner. A list of achievements that many teams will be looking to snap up for free.
David Silva
Next on the list, David Silva is arguably one of the best foreign exports to ever play in the league. Since his move from Valencia in 2010, the 34-year-old has proven to be one of the best midfielders in the world.
Since that move, Silva has contributed to Manchester City winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and two Community Shields.
Not to mention being part of the Spanish squads that won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Rumours have started to circle the possibility of moving back to his boyhood club Valencia to see out his playing days.
Ryan Fraser
This season may not have followed on from the previous for Ryan Fraser, who registered seven goals and fourteen assists during 2018/19. After making 32 appearances in all 2019/20 competitions, the winger has achieved one goal and four assists.
This could be due to Bournemouth spending much of the season in and around the relegation zone. At only 26, the Scottish winger is now approaching the stage in his career where it may be time to take that next step.
The speedy winger is already attracting interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham so far this season. Could moving to a bigger club be a better move for Fraser?
Jan Vertonghen
On Boxing Day this year, Jan Vertonghen made his 300th appearance for Spurs against Brighton. The Belgian defender has been a great servant to the club since moving from Ajax in 2012. Especially when fellow Belgium teammate, Toby Alderweireld joined the club (moving from Ajax as well).
The two created the defensive partnership that saw Spurs challenge for the title in the 2013/14 and 2014/15 season. During all competitions so far this season, the player has made 26 appearances, two goals, and kept four clean sheets.
However, Vertonghen has failed to commit to the club since the new manager Jose Mourinho was appointed in November. Given the centre back is now 33 years old may be a move away from Spurs could interest him.
Matty Longstaff
Longstaff has made 11 appearances scoring three goals in all competitions this season. With Longstaff appearing twice on the team sheet against Manchester United, Sky sports could have been perceived to have made an error.
The younger Longstaff sibling soon removed the doubt and went on to score his Premier League debut. Resulting in a 1-0 win at St. James’ Park against Solskjaer’s men. With the momentum building for a Geordie takeover, the two brothers could be the foundation for success.
