Sports
Top 13 Premier League Players Whose Contracts Expire in 2026 (Ranked)
Ahead of the January transfer window opening in 2026, there are plenty of Premier League clubs who will be hoping to bring in a few new faces to bolster the ranks. But decisions about current players will also need to be made.
Several individuals are entering the final six months of their contracts at their current teams, meaning that they can start speaking to clubs abroad about potential moves following the expiry of their existing deals. Alternatively, they might weigh up their next move in the coming months, before either choosing to stay or move on to pastures new.
No matter what they decide, plenty of teams will have their eye on potential free agents this summer as they seek to capitalise on a potential bargain. Here is a closer look at the best players in the Premier League whose contracts expire in 2026 and where they may end up.
Ranking Factors
- Player quality: Star quality that has helped improve the team.
- Age and longevity: Performing at a high level for a long period of time.
- Importance to the team: Significance of a player’s role within a manager’s system.
- Goals: Goals scored in Premier League and cup competitions.
- Assists: Assists in Premier League and cup competitions.
13
Danny Welbeck
Brighton & Hove Albion
He might have turned 35 in November, but that shouldn’t detract from how well Danny Welbeck has been playing in spite of his age. Currently on seven goals in 16 appearances for Brighton, the England international remains a consistent option up front and someone who could do a job for mid-table Premier League sides.
While he’s certainly not someone to build the future around, his experience and know-how would make him a valuable presence in the dressing room. The former Manchester United player’s resurgence has even prompted some to recommend him for a place in the Three Lions squad.
12
Vitalii Mykolenko
Everton
Vitalii Mykolenko hasn’t always shown the consistency required to be a key player for Everton since he arrived at the club in 2022 from Dynamo Kyiv. But the Ukrainian, at 26-years-old, could very well be a long-term option for teams in England and abroad who need a left-back.
Whether a departure in the summer happens, though, remains to be seen. Mykolenko stated in November that his representatives would be entering contract talks so that he might extend his stay at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. But an attractive proposition from elsewhere might be too good to turn down.
11
Marcos Senesi
Bournemouth
In 2024/25, Marcos Senesi was often forced to play second fiddle at Bournemouth, as Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi were both preferred by Andoni Iraola. But, with both men sold to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain respectively, there’s been a new opportunity for the Argentine.
Having made 17 appearances last term, he’s already up to 16 outings in 2025/26, registering three assists for the Cherries. He’s become one of their most important players, providing stability to a team that finds itself in near constant upheaval due to the departures of key players. Bournemouth would be wise to hold on to Senesi, but he’s rejected several contract offers thus far as he nears a summer exit. He could be a shrewd signing for top teams in England and in Europe.
10
Yves Bissouma
Tottenham Hotspur
Yves Bissouma joined Tottenham in June 2022 in a deal worth £25 million, signing a four-year deal from Brighton. Since then, he’s made a century of appearances for Spurs, but his time in north London has not been without controversy.
The Mali international has not featured at all so far this term due to a mixture of injury and off-field issues, and he was recently filmed inhaling laughing gas. The club are now reportedly ready to sell him when the January transfer window opens, but the question is whether they can find a buyer willing to sign him before his deal expires in June 2026. Bissouma has shown he is a capable option in the engine room, though, so if a team can get him for nothing in six months, they’ll have added good depth to their ranks.
9
Casemiro
Manchester United
It’s certainly fair to say that Casemiro’s time at Manchester United has been topsy-turvy. Jamie Carragher telling him “the football’s left him” was a low-point, but the Brazilian has proven that he could very well do a job in the engine room for another team.
An extension at Old Trafford feels unlikely, given his lofty wages and the club’s need to revamp their options in midfield, especially if they persist with Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation. At 33, a move to Italy isn’t out of the question, especially considering how well former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric has been playing for AC Milan. It also wouldn’t be a surprise to see Casemiro move back to his native Brazil as he winds down a long, successful career.
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8
Rico Henry
Brentford
Having been a part of Brentford’s first team since signing from Walsall in 2016, it feels as though Rico Henry’s time at the G-tech Community Stadium is coming to an end. Fitness issues have seen him lose his starting role in the side, with him featuring as a substitute in the majority of his appearances so far this season.
However, the left-back will only be 29 by the start of the 2026/27 season. After the Bees were promoted to the Premier League, Henry proved that he could be a starting defender for an English top-flight side. If he can build his fitness, there will be numerous bottom-half and Championship teams who might want to grab him on a free transfer.
7
John Stones
Manchester City
Although he’s been plagued with multiple injury issues throughout his Manchester City career, John Stones is still a reliable option when called upon by Pep Guardiola. A proven England international and six-time Premier League champion, the former Everton defender is still playing his part for both the Three Lions and his current club.
It feels unlikely that Stones will leave the Etihad in the coming months, but a lack of playing time could very well turn his head should another option present itself. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have established themselves as the first-choice options for City, while Stones has managed just 353 minutes in the league over seven games thus far. Fitness permitting, any mid-table side looking to make a significant upgrade at centre-back would do well to pick the 31-year-old up in the summer.
6
Harry Maguire
Manchester United
From one England centre-back option to his partner in crime at major international tournaments, Harry Maguire has gone from outcast to integral at Manchester United. A scorer of many important goals and a leader in defence, the 32-year-old has turned many doubters into believers in the last few years.
Like with Stones, it doesn’t feel as though Maguire will become a free agent in the summer, especially considering that he was in talks over a new deal back in October 2025. But, with no progress or announcement as of yet, might we see the Premier League veteran finally move on?
5
Andrew Robertson
Liverpool
Regarded as one of the Premier League’s finest ever defenders, Andy Robertson’s career at Liverpool has been nothing short of remarkable. A key factor behind their two title triumphs under both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, he’s been at the core of the team’s attack and defence on the left flank since arriving from Hull City in 2017.
All things, however, must come to an end. And while Robertson is still only 31, it appears as though Milos Kerkez is set to replace him as first-choice left-back at Anfield. A new contract has not been offered yet, opening the door to a potential exit in the summer of 2026.
4
Harry Wilson
Fulham
With deadline day fast approaching in September 2025, Harry Wilson came perilously close to joining Leeds United and parting ways with Fulham, who were looking to revamp their winger options. Now, though, with five goals and three assists in 16 games, the Welshman is one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Cottagers.
Despite his form and Marco Silva expressing his desire to retain the 28-year-old’s services, David Ornstein has said it’s likely that Wilson will depart Craven Cottage as a free agent in the summer. As someone who brings plenty of creativity and great technique, he would be a valuable addition to many top-flight teams who are looking to push up the table.
