8 Premier League Players Whose Contracts Are Nearly Up

I’ve recently looked at free agents who are available at the moment which is all well and good, but I’d like to take a look at potential free agents next summer who I’m sure managers are more interested in as well. Some of the players on this list may surprise you as you may be shocked that they haven’t been offered a new contract yet, but they are technically free agents next summer at the moment. Things could change and many of these players may sign a new deal, but if not then there are plenty of bargains to be had.

1. Nemanja Vidic

The big Serbian will be available for free as of next summer unless Manchester United can tie him down, which they’d be stupid not to. He has been unlucky with injuries but there’s no denying that, on his day, he can strike fear into any striker. That’s just what some clubs need.

2. Bacary Sagna

He had a wobble last season when his performances started to decline, with many putting it down to age and the fact that he’s recovered from two broken legs, but this season he’s been an absolute monster for the Gunners and has been playing like he’s 20 instead of 30. He can cover centre-back as good as he can right-back,  and versatility is very important in today’s game.

3. Younes Kaboul

The Tottenham centre-back is another player that has been hit pretty badly by injuries and that’s perhaps why Spurs haven’t offered him a new contract yet. However, when he is fit, he is a very gifted defender and any team would be glad to have him in their ranks.

4. Michael Carrick

You would expect United to put a new contract in front of him fairly soon but, as of now, they have not. If the Red Devils did let him go then they would be losing a key member of their team, as he is consistently brilliant at what he does best and would be a very good addition for any team in need of a holding midfielder.

5. Joleon Lescott

The defender has not been a main feature for Manchester City this season, as he’s only started five games and two of them resulted in a loss. Injuries to Martin Demichelis and Vincent Kompany have paved a way for Joleon to get into the starting lineup, but you feel his days will be numbered when both players are back.

6. Ashley Cole

A contract is very likely to be placed in front of him to sign before it gets to the stage of him leaving on a free. However, if Chelsea do decide to let him go, teams across Europe will be on red alert. Many would love a chance of signing the England international, who has won almost everything there is to win at club level and who is still a key member of the Chelsea side.

7. Dimitar Berbatov

The big Bulgarian has had a very disappointing season so far for Fulham, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the London-based club let the 32-year-old leave. Just one goal and one assist in 10 league games are stats that just aren’t good enough. However, based on his past, if you can utilise his main strengths then there’s still a quality player inside him.

8. Tomas Rosicky

The little Czech star has been incredible for Arsenal this season, especially at the grand old age of 33. His energy and passion mixed in with real ability puts some younger players to shame. As a real hero of the game and a role model for everyone, Arsenal are unlikely to let him go, but if they do then whoever is lucky enough to get him will have a fantastic player. Rosicky has openly stated that, because of his injuries, he’s actually got the fitness of someone two or three years younger. That isn’t really saying much, but you know what he means.