MX23RW : Saturday, June 29 18:32:44| >> :120:4923:4923:

The key players facing contract uncertainty if season goes beyond June 30

The key players facing contract uncertainty if season goes beyond June 30
© Reuters
There will be no games in the top flight until at least April 4.

The delay to the Premier League season caused by the coronavirus outbreak could mean uncertainty for those players out of contract this summer.

There will be no games in the top flight until at least April 4 as part of measures to combat the global pandemic.

A longer-term stoppage could see the season run on into the summer, past the standard expiry date of top-level contracts on June 30 – forcing teams to either hand out new deals, agree a short-term solution or replace key men.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the highest-profile players who could be affected.

David Silva, Manchester City

David Silva
Could the uncertainty delay David Silva's Manchester City farewell? (Martin Rickett/PA)

Season stats: 28 appearances, three goals, eight assists

The Spanish playmaker's memorable decade in Manchester is coming to an end this summer, with him seeking to add a third FA Cup and possibly a first Champions League title to his 11 major trophies with the club – could his ride into the sunset be delayed?

Olivier Giroud, Chelsea

Olivier Giroud, right, scores against Everton
Olivier Giroud, right, scores against Everton (Adam Davy/PA)

Season stats: 13 appearances, three goals

Sidelined by the early-season form of Tammy Abraham, the veteran France striker has deputised effectively as the young Englishman has struggled with injury. Scored in Premier League wins over Tottenham and Everton and the UEFA Super Cup against Liverpool.

Willian, Chelsea

Season stats: 37 appearances, seven goals, six assists

The Brazil winger, 31, remains a key man in a largely inexperienced squad under Frank Lampard and his influence would be sorely missed should any end-of-season complications arise. Fellow winger Pedro may be less of a priority but should both be left in limbo, the need to get Christian Pulisic back to full fitness will become more acute.

Jan Vertonghen, Tottenham

26 appearances, two goals, four clean sheets

Toby Alderweireld re-signed in January but his fellow Belgium defender is yet to follow. Scored a late winner against Wolves in the league and also netted in the FA Cup exit to Norwich, while he reached 300 games for the club on Boxing Day against Brighton. Rising defensive star Japhet Tanganga's own expiring deal features an optional extension which the club are sure to trigger.

Adam Lallana, Liverpool

Season stats: 22 appearances, one goal, two assists

The midfielder has returned from an injury-hit spell to make several contributions, notably scoring the late equaliser against Manchester United in October which extended Liverpool's unbeaten league run. The Reds could also have to negotiate a change of kit supplier, with Nike due to take over the contract from New Balance on July 1.

Matty Longstaff, Newcastle

Season stats: 11 appearances, three goals

The teenager has made quite an impact after joining older brother Sean in the Magpies' midfield, scoring in both meetings with Manchester United – including on his Premier League debut – as well as the FA Cup win over Rochdale. Manager Steve Bruce last month said of his contract: "It's a concern for us – I hope we can get that tied up."

Ryan Fraser, Bournemouth

Ryan Fraser, left, and Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe
Ryan Fraser, left, will be a priority for manager Eddie Howe (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Season stats: 32 appearances, one goal, four assists

Still only 26, the Scotland winger has not enjoyed his most productive season but the Cherries will still be desperate to get a new deal sorted. Their relegation struggle provides a further layer of complication.

ID:393026: cacheID:393026:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:11969:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Mason Mount in action for Chelsea on March 3, 2020
Read Next:
Coronavirus latest: Mason Mount to be "reminded of his responsibilities" by Chelsea
>
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Saturday, June 29
 
8pm
Sunday, June 30
 
5pm
 
8pm
Monday, July 1
 
5pm
 
8pm
Tuesday, July 2
 
5pm
 
8pm
Friday, July 5
Saturday, July 6
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!