Top 5 Premier League midfielders facing contract expiry: What’s next? | OneFootball

Midfielders are the engine of a team. The Premier League is blessed with some of the best midfielders in the game. A few of them will have to make a decision on their future soon as their contracts are set to expire this summer. Here are the top five players in that situation and what might be in their near future.

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Since signing for Manchester City ahead of the 2015-16 season, the Belgian has been one of the most important players in the club's success. The 33-year-old has won the Premier League title six times and the UEFA Champions League once. However, he is one of the prominent players in the Premier League whose contract is set to end at the end of the season.

Injuries have significantly impacted the availability of the two-time Premier League Player of the Season for Manchester City over the past two seasons. While De Bruyne had dealt with injury troubles before, he was still able to help his team during those times. However, that has not been the case in the last year.

It feels like the injuries have taken a toll on his body, which has also affected Manchester City's prospects this season. There have been reports linking him with a move to either MLS or the Saudi Pro League. However, nothing concrete has come from it.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola revealed last month that he expects the Belgian to stay, and reports suggest that is what De Bruyne wants as well. One of the primary reasons for that ambition is to be at his best for the 2026 World Cup. Even if he stays, due to his injury history over the past two years, De Bruyne will likely have to accept a pay cut. Regardless of his playing time, having a player like him in the squad will be vital for the team and for any potential new signings to learn from him and understand what is expected at Manchester City.

Prediction: STAY

Thomas Partey (Arsenal)

The defensive midfielder has been a regular for Mikel Arteta’s team as Arsenal has become one of the top sides in Europe. His partnership in midfield, first with Granit Xhaka and then with Declan Rice, has been crucial for the Gunners.

However, the Ghanaian is out of contract at the end of the season, and Arsenal have been linked with possible replacements for him. If Partey is to leave, there will be no shortage of suitors across Europe or from the Saudi Pro League. According to Caught Offside artice, the 31-year-old has expressed that he is happy to stay at the Emirates.

Arsenal will be in the market for a striker this summer, and signing one will require a significant investment. Any top midfielder would also demand a similar high fee. Spending big on two players does not seem like something the Arsenal board will entertain, which could result in Partey staying for at least another year.

Prediction: STAY

Abdoulaye Doucouré (Everton)

The Malian midfielder has been one of Everton's most important players since his arrival in 2020. Despite occasional injury issues, he has played 158 times for Everton so far. His box-to-box abilities have been crucial for the Toffees in their Premier League survival over the years.

However, as per Football Insider, despite having the option to extend his contract by a year, the Merseyside club is trying to renegotiate for lower wages despite his continued prominence under new manager David Moyes. Despite his desire to play at Everton’s new stadium, such a move from the club might make the player feel undervalued.

Everton already have a player in their ranks who can fill Doucouré’s role. Their January loan signing, Charly Alcaraz, ticks all the boxes for that position. The club has an obligation to buy him at the end of the season from Flamengo. As they move to their new stadium, David Moyes’ side will be looking at overall changes in the squad.

Jorginho (Arsenal)

The former UEFA Men’s Player of the Year has not had the best of times since signing for the North London side. Jorginho, who joined Arsenal in 2022, has not had the same impact or importance that he had at his former club Chelsea, or with the Italian national team. His lack of game time at the club has also cost him his spot in the national team.

This season, the former Champions League winner has only started seven league games for Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League. There are several players ahead of him in the pecking order. With his contract set to expire this summer, all signs point to him leaving.

Jorginho’s agent recently spoke to Daily Arsenal, confirming that talks will begin with clubs in Italy, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and England - including Arsenal. There are also reports that a deal with Brazilian side Flamengo has already been agreed.

Christian Eriksen (Manchester United)

The Danish midfielder signed for Manchester United in 2022 after a brief spell at Brentford. He has played 66 times for the club in the Premier League. However, this season, he has found game time hard to come by, featuring in only 17 matches, most of which came due to injuries to players ahead of him in the pecking order.

Christian Eriksen himself expects to leave at the end of the season. Speaking to reporters, he said, “I haven't heard anything from the club, and therefore I assume that the collaboration will stop - that's how I interpret it.” He also made it clear that he will not be signing for another club in England.

However, the 33-year-old has stated that he intends to stay in Europe and has no desire to play in MLS. He also mentioned that it is still too early for him to return to his homeland in Denmark. Eriksen’s performances for the Danish national team have shown that he can still perform at the top level. On Sunday, he scored and assisted for Denmark in their latest match.