Premier League contract countdown: Clubs weigh free‑agent exits as summer window nears

With the season entering its final stretch, a cluster of Premier League players are running down their contracts and could depart on free transfers this summer. Across the division, clubs are juggling renewal talks, injury recoveries and option triggers as they shape next season’s squads.

Arsenal appear well positioned. After prioritising renewals for key players, Mikel Arteta’s side have no potential free departures flagged for the summer and can focus on matters on the pitch. Aston Villa face a decision on a midfielder signed from Luton Town in 2024 for just over £5m.

Injuries have disrupted his second stint at Villa Park, having previously joined on loan from Chelsea in the 2020/21 campaign, but he stepped in during a period when Youri Tielemans and John McGinn were sidelined. Whether that proves enough to secure a fresh deal remains unclear.

At Bournemouth, a key defender has become a mainstay but now looks set to leave as a free agent. Talks over a new contract have reportedly taken place, yet there has been no update so far. He was linked with Chelsea in January, but the club was reluctant to sanction a mid-season exit, and reports have suggested Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are monitoring his situation.

Brentford, by contrast, retain control over several cases. The club holds an option to extend left-back Rico Henry’s 10-year stay by a further year, although he limped off with another injury against Bournemouth in early March. Midfielder Mathias Jensen also has an additional-year option and has been used prominently in the Carabao Cup.

Josh Dasilva signed a deal in October running to the end of the season after his previous contract expired in the summer; the 27-year-old suffered a serious knee injury in February, though the head coach has underlined his importance. Brentford can keep him for a further 12 months if his recovery goes to plan.

Injury setbacks are also shaping the picture at Brighton. Defender Adam Webster has been limited by a severe pre-season knee injury after fitness issues curtailed him to 11 Premier League starts in 2024/25, but he has indicated he wants to remain at the club. The Seagulls must also decide whether to trigger an option for a 31-year-old wide player whose minutes have been restricted.

Joel Veltman, who extended his stay via a clause last season, is again approaching the end of his contract; he has spoken about weighing up his options amid links to former club Ajax while stressing he is happy at Brighton. With the summer window approaching, option clauses, fitness timelines and ongoing negotiations are set to determine who stays and who goes.

For several clubs, the next few weeks will bring clarity on which players could walk away for nothing once the season ends.