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Premier League contract deadlines spark transfer speculation
With fewer than five weeks remaining in the 2025-26 Premier League season, the futures of several high-profile players hang in the balance as clubs weigh contract extensions or potential departures. Manchester City's John Stones and Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté are among the standout names whose next moves could reshape the summer transfer market.
Manchester City set to lose club legend Bernardo Silva
Manchester City will bid farewell to one of their most decorated players this summer. Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva, the club's captain and a nine-year veteran, will leave the Etihad Stadium after amassing 18 trophies during his tenure. Silva, 31, remains a sought-after talent, with interest expected from top European clubs.
Fellow England defender John Stones, 31, could also depart after a season plagued by injury. A thigh problem sidelined him for nine weeks, limiting his appearances to just one Premier League start since August. Pep Guardiola's defensive options have left Stones' future uncertain, despite his status as a six-time Premier League winner.
Liverpool and Tottenham navigate key contract decisions
Liverpool face a pivotal summer as they attempt to secure the future of France centre-back Ibrahima Konaté. The 26-year-old, who played a crucial role in last season's title-winning campaign, hinted at an imminent agreement after Sunday's Merseyside derby, telling the BBC a deal was "close." However, Scotland left-back Andy Robertson, 32, will leave Anfield after eight years, with Tottenham Hotspur already in advanced talks to sign the former Liverpool captain.
Tottenham, meanwhile, must also address the futures of Mali midfielder Yves Bissouma, 29, and Wales defender Ben Davies, 32. Bissouma's stop-start season and Davies' broken ankle in January have left their contracts unresolved, while the club's potential relegation could trigger further departures.
Brighton and Fulham brace for exodus of experienced players
Brighton risk losing a significant portion of their squad this summer, with several key players out of contract. Record-breaking midfielder James Milner, 40, the Premier League's all-time appearance leader, remains undecided about his future. Defenders Adam Webster, 31, and Joel Veltman, 34, could also leave, though Webster-recovering from a serious ACL injury-has expressed a desire to stay.
Fulham's Harry Wilson, 29, has been one of the league's standout performers this season, notching 10 goals and six assists. His form has attracted interest from clubs higher up the table, while manager Marco Silva, also out of contract, holds a one-year extension option. Forward Raúl Jiménez, 34, has contributed nine goals ahead of Mexico's World Cup campaign.
Newcastle and Everton weigh contract extensions
Newcastle United will say goodbye to Kieran Trippier, 35, after the England right-back confirmed his departure following a four-year stint. Fabian Schär, 34, another key figure in last season's League Cup triumph, is also set to leave, alongside Sweden's Emil Krafth and loaned-out left-back Matt Targett.
Everton, meanwhile, have options to extend the contracts of Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye, 36, and Ukraine defender Vitalii Mykolenko, 26. Club captain Seamus Coleman, 37, has seen limited action this season, while young midfielder Tyler Onyango, 23, appears likely to exit after a loan spell at Stockport County.
European stars also on the move
Beyond England, several high-profile players could change clubs this summer. Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, 37, remains a prolific scorer, though the Catalan club have yet to confirm his future. Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, 26, has stalled in contract talks, while Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt, 29, and Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka, 31, will leave their respective clubs after lengthy tenures.
Former Premier League players like Malang Sarr (Lens), Allan Saint-Maximin (Lens), and Fabinho (Al-Ittihad) are also among those whose contracts expire this summer, though Real Madrid's Antonio Rüdiger is reportedly close to signing a one-year extension.
What's next
Clubs will finalize contract decisions in the coming weeks, with the summer transfer window set to open on June 1. The futures of Stones, Konaté, and Silva, among others, will dominate headlines as teams prepare for the 2026-27 season.
