PROJECT RESTART looks set to bring Premier League football back after almost four months away.
No top-flight matches have been played since March 9 and the suspension has caused issues for clubs when it comes to players’ contracts.
Some top-flight players see their current deal run out on June 30, with that date usually after all domestic football in England is finished for the summer.
But with the exceptional circumstances the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown up, contracts for some will now run out whilst the season is still in progress.
Which Premier League players are being released on June 30?
Premier League clubs WILL be able to enter short-term negotiations with players they wish to keep after the June 30 deadline.
Richard Masters, the Premier League chief executive, said: “What we decided is to ensure, as far as possible, that clubs complete the season with the same squad they had available, prior to the suspension of the campaign.
“Players can extend their contracts beyond June 30 until the end of the season, but it must be agreed by both parties.”
These negotiations must be finalised by June 23.
The following players from each Premier League club have contracts expiring on June 30 and therefore will need to negotiate an extension or a brand new contract, otherwise they will become a free agent.
Arsenal
- Matt Macey
- David Luiz
Aston Villa
- Borja Baston
- Matija Sarkic
- Keinan Davis
Bournemouth
- Simon Francis
- Artur Boruc
- Andrew Surman
- Charlie Daniels
- Ryan Fraser
- Jordon Ibe
- Jack Simpson
Brighton
- Beram Kayal
- Ezequiel Schelotto
Burnley
- Aaron Lennon
- Phil Bardsley
- Joe Hart
- Adam Legzdins
- Ashley Westwood
- Robbie Brady
- Jeff Hendrick
Chelsea
- Willian
- Pedro
- Marco van Ginkel
Crystal Palace
- Stephan Henderson
- Scott Dann
Everton
- Maarten Stekelenburg
- Leighton Baines
- Cuco Martina
- Oumar Niasse
Leicester City
- Eldin Jakupovic
- Christian Fuchs
- Wes Morgan
- Nampalys Mendy
Liverpool
- Andy Lonergan
- Adam Lallana
- Nathaniel Clyne
Manchester City
- David Silva
- Claudio Bravo
Manchester United
- Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Newcastle United
- Rob Elliot
- Andy Carroll
- Jack Colback
- Karl Darlow
- Javier Manquillo
- Jamie Sterry
- Matt Longstaff
Sheffield United
- Phil Jagielka
- Leon Clarke
- Jack Rodwell
- Ricky Holmes
- John Lundstram
- Kieron Freedman
Southampton
- Shane Long
Tottenham
- Japhet Tanganga
- Jan Vertonghen
- Michel Vorm
Watford
- Ben Foster
- Heurelho Gomes
- Adrian Mariappa
- Jose Holebas
- Daniel Bachmann
West Ham
- Pablo Zabaleta
- Carlos Sanchez
Wolves
- John Ruddy
- Phil Ofusu-Ayeh
- Bright Enobakhare
- Max Kilman
Can players released and picked up by another club still play?
If a player is let go by their club on June 30 and a new contract or extension isn’t agreed, they become a free agent.
Free agents can usually be signed by another club at ANY time of the season – that includes outside of the transfer window.
David Luiz, Willian and Jordon Ibe have all reportedly been told that they will not be offered a new deal and will be released on June 30, free to look for other clubs in England or abroad.
Once Project Restart is up and running, the Premier League will likely clarify their registration rules for free agents in these unparalleled times.
Brazilian defender Luiz only joined Chelsea a year ago in what was widely thought of as a two-year deal.
But reports suggest it was only an initial 12-month contract and no talks are planned to keep Luiz in North London.
