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A FULL team of England internationals begins the World Cup year with only six months remaining on their contracts.
The prominent players include two potential starters for the Three Lions, one hopeful for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, and four others who have participated in major tournaments.
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi is anticipated to depart as a free agent in June
Manchester United’s Harry Maguire is determined to secure a place in the England squad
This allows all of them to start negotiations from TODAY regarding free summer transfers to European clubs.
Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guehi, likely to start against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, leads the list of those who can take decisive steps for their footballing futures now.
At 25, he was close to a deadline-day transfer to Liverpool, even posing for photographs in the Merseyside club's training kit, before Palace chairman Steve Parrish, advised by manager Oliver Glasner, halted the move.
Palace may still consider selling him when the winter transfer window opens, although they anticipate losing at least £15 million from the £50 million they would have received in the summer.
However, Guehi now holds all the cards and can resist any attempts to force him out against his wishes, while he could negotiate a lucrative deal for a free transfer with interested clubs like Bayern Munich.
While Guehi might be a certain starter for England, fans may argue he is NOT the most notable name on this list—pointing instead to John Stones.
The former Everton player, who has six Premier League titles since joining the Etihad, signed a five-year deal worth approximately £250,000 per week in 2021.
His injury issues over the past few seasons may complicate discussions about a new contract if City choose to be tough negotiators, potentially opening an exit route.
Meanwhile, it was only a few years ago that he was considered the future of England.
Now on loan at Aston Villa, where he is merely a squad player, he has no future at Manchester United. Sancho seems unlikely to be offered the opportunity to remain at Villa Park either, meaning he will need to start planning his next move soon, especially if a third stint in Germany is on the horizon for the two-time former Borussia Dortmund player.
Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, another player hoping to secure a place on the flight to England’s planned pre-tournament training camp in Florida, signed a four-year contract after leaving Burnley in 2022.
The list also includes three other England center-backs—Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, Brighton captain Lewis Dunk, and Everton’s Michael Keane.
Additionally, Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier, who scored the goal that put England ahead in the 2018 semi-final loss to Croatia, Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley, and Brighton’s Danny Welbeck—who netted 16 goals in 42 appearances between 2011 and 2018—are all out of contract this summer.
Completing the list of former Lions is West Ham’s Callum Wilson, who came on for Gareth Southgate against both Iran and Wales in the group stage of the Qatar World Cup just three years ago.
Not Just England Stars
They are among approximately 40 senior players in the Premier League, including a Champions League winner, two national captains, and two guaranteed starters for major World Cup contenders.
Liverpool is likely eager to sit down for talks with Andy Robertson, especially given the struggles of summer signing Milos Kerkez, while Pep Guardiola continues to rely heavily on Bernardo Silva.
Ben Davies’ next contract at Spurs may involve a transition into a longer-term coaching role, as the Welshman is now an integral part of the N17 setup.
Indeed, it was Davies’ consistency—and a series of frustrating injuries—that meant another player out of contract this summer, Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon, struggled to make the impact he desired at Spurs.
Fellow Fulham players Harry Wilson—who nearly joined Leeds in the summer—and Adama Traore are also set to be out of contract in a few months.
Liverpool has been concerned about Ibrahima Konate leaving for free since early last year. Although the central defender’s recent performances may have deterred potential suitors, France manager Didier Deschamps still holds him in high regard.
For Manchester United’s Brazilian veteran Casemiro, 33, four years of earning around £18 million per season makes a fifth year on similar terms unlikely, allowing him to negotiate with a Saudi club or one back in South America without complications.
Manchester City star John Stones is crucial for both club and country
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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