PROJECT RESTART looks set to bring Premier League football back after almost four months away. No top-flight matches have been played since March 9 and the suspension has caused issues for clubs when it comes to players’ contracts. Some top-flight players see their current deal run out on June 30, with that date usually after […]
PROJECT RESTART looks set to bring Premier League football back after almost four months away.
No top-flight matches have been played since March 9 and the suspension has caused issues for clubs when it comes to players’ contracts.
Some top-flight players see their current deal run out on June 30, with that date usually after all domestic football in England is finished for the summer.
But with the exceptional circumstances the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown up, contracts for some will now run out whilst the season is still in progress.
Premier League clubs WILL be able to enter short-term negotiations with players they wish to keep after the June 30 deadline.
Richard Masters, the Premier League chief executive, said: “What we decided is to ensure, as far as possible, that clubs complete the season with the same squad they had available, prior to the suspension of the campaign.
“Players can extend their contracts beyond June 30 until the end of the season, but it must be agreed by both parties.”
These negotiations must be finalised by June 23.
The following players from each Premier League club have contracts expiring on June 30 and therefore will need to negotiate an extension or a brand new contract, otherwise they will become a free agent.
If a player is let go by their club on June 30 and a new contract or extension isn’t agreed, they become a free agent.
Free agents can usually be signed by another club at ANY time of the season – that includes outside of the transfer window.
David Luiz, Willian and Jordon Ibe have all reportedly been told that they will not be offered a new deal and will be released on June 30, free to look for other clubs in England or abroad.
Once Project Restart is up and running, the Premier League will likely clarify their registration rules for free agents in these unparalleled times.
Brazilian defender Luiz only joined Chelsea a year ago in what was widely thought of as a two-year deal.
But reports suggest it was only an initial 12-month contract and no talks are planned to keep Luiz in North London.
