Summer 2020 – Out of contract XI

We’ve picked a strong-looking eleven, with contracts set to expire in June

While we don’t know exactly how the 2019/20 PremierLeague season will conclude yet, what we do know is that there are dozens ofplayers with contracts set to expire, on the traditional June 30th date.

There are some big names on the list too, with multiplePremier League winners, along with emerging talents and perhaps a few whoplayers are a little past their best.

We’ve put together our ‘Out of Contract XI’ below. See whatyou think…

Goalkeeper

Ben Foster – Watford

Once upon a time, picking Ben Foster over Joe Hart mighthave seemed questionable, but not anymore. While Hart’s stock has declined overthe last few seasons Ben Foster has remained a stable, consistent presencebetween the sticks, frequently linked with moves to bigger clubs or even an Englandcall-up.

The man himself, is also one of football’s nice guys and just in-case you forgot, he was part of the side that ended Liverpool’s 44-game unbeaten run, keeping a clean sheet in Watford’s 3-0 victory over the Reds at Vicarage Road.

Right-back

Nathaniel Clyne – Liverpool

Forgot that Nathaniel Clyne was at Liverpool? You’re probably not the only one. The 28 year-old has had a torrid time with injuries since his £12.5 million move from Southampton back in 2015.

Seeing one of the world’s best right-backs in Trent Alexander-Arnold emerge in his place probably hasn’t helped his cause either.

But at 28, there’s still time for Clyne to rediscover his form and live up to some of his promise.

Centre-back

Jan Vertonghen – Tottenham

After eight years at Spurs, more than 220 appearances and theclub’s Player of the Year award in 2018, Vertonghen has been a loyal servant tothe club and an essential, reliable cog in the back four.

However, it’s clear that the Tottenham squad needs arefresh, and Vertonghen is coming to the point of his career where a move mightsuit him. With Napoli mooted as a potential destination, the classy 32-year-oldcould be ideally suited to adapt to Italian football.

Centre-back

Japhet Tanganga – Tottenham

At the opposite end of the scale to Vertonghen is youngsterJaphet Tanganga, who has been one of Spurs’ few bright spots this season.

While the talented academy graduate is reportedly inadvanced negotiations to extend his stay, at the time of writing, his contractis due to expire at the end of June.

Left-back

Leighton Baines – Everton

At 35 years old, there’s no doubt that the Everton left-back’spowers have been waning for a few years now. But with more than 340 appearancesfor the Toffees, the veteran has been synonymous with the Merseyside clubduring his 13-year stay and still holds the role of vice-captain.

During that time he’s been named in the PFA Team of the Yeartwice, received Everton’s Player of the Season award twice, and Player’s Playerof the Season on three occasions. He even scored their Goal of the Season in 2011,with a screamer of a free-kick against Chelsea in the FA Cup.

Right-midfield/winger

Willian – Chelsea

A hard-working winger, with a penchant for scoring (57),assisting (58) and pinging in the odd sublime direct free kick (10) for theBlues.

The Brazilian has occasionally been overshadowed by the likes of Eden Hazard, but his willingness to work for his team has seen manager after manager turn to him – he was even named both fans and players Chelsea Player of the Season in the infamous Mourinho meltdown season of 2015/16.

Centre-midfield

David Silva – Manchester City

The graceful Spanish midfielder is one of the finestmodern-era Premier League players, with four Premier League titles to his name.

Silva’s sublime passing ability and quickness of thoughthave seen him make more than 300 appearances for Man City and he currently sitsat 7th on the all-time Premier League assists list, with 90 credited. Butfootball fans know he’s played his part in many special goals, moves andmoments on the pitch.

Centre-midfield

Adam Lallana – Liverpool

Another Southampton to Liverpool transfer whose playing-timehas been severely hampered by injury. Lallana was an established member of theside and appearing regularly for England before suffering a long-term injury inthe 2017-18 pre-season.

Since then he’s only played in fits and starts, sufferingfurther injuries to impede his comeback. In the interim, Liverpool seem to havemoved on without him and a move elsewhere could suit both parties.

Left-midfield/winger

Ryan Fraser – Bournemouth

It hasn’t quite happened for the 26-year-old Scot thisseason. After a stunning 2018/19 campaign, where he notched seven goals and 14assists, Fraser was linked with a summer move to Arsenal.

When the move failed to materialise, Fraser himself admittedit affected his motivation, and that’s reflected in just one goal and fourassists in 28 appearances for Bournemouth this term.

Transfer rumour suggests that Mikel Arteta could still signFraser in the summer, but he can’t afford another lacklustre season like thisone.

Striker

Olivier Giroud – Chelsea

The Frenchman can feel a little hard done by this year,largely being frozen out of the first-team as Frank Lampard preferred youthover experience, even when the goals began to dry up for the likes of TammyAbraham.

However, a recent injury to Abraham allowed the WorldCup-winning striker to demonstrate that he’s still capable of performing to ahigh standard, and he looks set to join Inter when his contract expires.

Striker

Pedro – Chelsea

Is Pedro technically a striker? No. Would you rather have him in your team than Andy Carroll? Probably.

One of the Premier League’s most decorated players, Pedrocan boast a World Cup, European Championship, five La Liga titles, threeChampions League wins, one Premier League title and frankly about 20 moretrophies and honours to his name.

He might not fit in Frank Lampard’s current philosophy for Chelsea, but he’s unlikely to struggle in finding another club.

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