Clubs in the English top flight have until June 23 to tie down players to short-term deals if they want to finish the 2019-20 season
The coronavirus pandemic threw football into chaos this year.
While the Premier League season has now resumed, clubs and players alike face an uncertain future.
The financial ramifications of the disruption are yet to be truly seen but, in the short term, players up and down the country find themselves with decisions to make.
Most player contracts in the Premier League end on June 30 of a given year, but the 2019-20 season is now expected to run until late July. For clubs playing in Europe, fixtures may continue until the end of August.
The Premier League has set a deadline of June 23 for players to agree short-term contract extensions in order to play until the end of the season.
Some have already taken up this option – David Silva at Manchester City and Liverpool’s Adam Lallana among them – but plenty of players are still set to be without a club on July 1.
GettyWillian – Chelsea
Brazil international Willian has played more than 300 times for Chelsea since joining in 2013, winning two Premier League titles after the Blues hijacked a proposed move to Tottenham.
However, his future has been up in the air for some time now and he has been linked with a number of clubs during the 2019-20 season.
Manchester United and Arsenal have both been linked, with the 31-year-old still a useful player for any club looking to add strength in depth.
Barcelona were also rumoured to be considering a move during the January transfer window but for now, he is believed to be open to signing a temporary contract to finish the season with Chelsea.
AdvertisementGettyRyan Fraser – Bournemouth
Fraser’s decision not to agree a short-term contract extension has left Bournemouth staring down the barrel of relegation as the final stretch of the season looms.
He notched seven goals and 14 assists in the Premier League last season, though he has scored only once in the current campaign.
The Cherries restart the season in 18th. Simon Francis, Andrew Surman, Artur Boruc and Charlie Daniels have all agreed to short-term deals, but Fraser will depart for free.
Arsenal and Tottenham have both been linked with his signature.
Getty ImagesJan Vertonghen – Tottenham
Contrasting reports around Vertonghen’s immediate future mean it is currently unclear whether or not he will still be a Tottenham player come July 1.
The 33-year-old has been at Spurs since 2012, one of the key figures in their progression under Mauricio Pochettino.
His experience also means he will be a wanted man if he does leave on a free transfer.
Fellow defender Japhet Tanganga, who made his debut earlier this season, is also out of contract but had reportedly been in talks over a new deal before Covid-19 struck.
GettyDavid Luiz – Arsenal
Arsenal are looking to reshape their squad on a budget under Mikel Arteta, and it remains to be seen whether Luiz will be part of the rebuild.
He may well have already played his last game for the Gunners, having been sent off in a disaster-class performance against Manchester City in their first game back.
Luiz has shown signs of being keen on another year at the Emirates Stadium but, after an unconvincing season, some fans would doubtless be content to see him go.
The defender’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, has said his future will be decided before the June 23 deadline.