At the start of the every Premier League season, there is always a lot of focus on new signings, though it’s equally important for teams to retain their current players by offering them a contract extension.

It’s important to note that contract extensions for players or managers are not necessitated to be signed during a transfer window but can be offered and signed anytime during the season.

While there are too many players in the Premier League whose contracts expire in 2025, here we are taking a look at our top picks whose departure could affect not just their team but also the league. 

Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne signed for Man City in 2015 from Wolfsburg of the German Bundesliga. He has since been City’s most prolific midfielder and one of their most important players, having been instrumental in their trophy haul in recent seasons.

One of the best players of his generation, the 33-year-old Belgian is due for an extension as his current contract runs out next summer. There have been rumours of a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League, but if Pep Guardiola and Man City manage to convince him of the project going forward, there is no doubt De Bruyne would prefer to stay at the Etihad.

Mohamed Salah

Mo Salah joined Liverpool in 2017 from AS Roma and soon endeared himself to the Anfield faithful, scoring an incredible 32 league goals and winning the Premier League Player of the Season award in his very first season at Liverpool.

Now in his eighth season with the Reds, the veteran Egyptian winger remains a picture of consistency and fitness, having won three PL Golden Boots and one PL Playmaker of the Season award, while also missing not too many games due to injuries.

Salah is not just a Liverpool great but also one of the best forwards in Premier League history. If not offered a new contract, he is set to leave Anfield for free next season. Going by his current form, however, it shouldn’t be a conundrum as to whether Arne Slot and Liverpool would like him to stay or not.

Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk joined Liverpool in the January transfer window of 2017 from Southampton. Since then, he has provided solidity in defence for Liverpool, proving instrumental in the Reds winning the UEFA Champions League in 2018/19 and the Premier League in 2019/20.

Widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs of his generation, the Dutchman has also helped his side build attacks from the back while also contributing with important goals over the years. The 33-year-old is now captain of both Liverpool and the Netherlands national team, and he is certainly someone most Liverpool fans won’t want to see leaving Anfield next season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold is a Liverpool academy graduate who rose through the ranks and soon became a first-team regular. He possesses a rare skill set for a defender and therefore has also been deployed in the midfield for both club and country.

Known for his attacking intent, incredible passing-range, and efficiency from dead-ball situations, Alexander-Arnold is undeniably one of the best right-backs in the world today. The 25-year-old is an important asset for Liverpool—a homegrown player who is now vice-captain of the side.

Amidst rumours of a move to Real Madrid on a free next season, Alexander-Arnold is one player Liverpool fans are sweating over, eagerly waiting for his contract situation to be sorted as soon as possible. 

Son Heung-min

Son Heung-min signed for Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2016. Since then, he has made a huge impact in the league. Known for his pace, ability to link up play, and regularly deliver goals and assists, Son has consistently been a world-class operator for Tottenham.

The 32-year-old South Korean veteran is now captain of both Spurs and his national team. Due a contract extension before next season, it remains to be seen whether the North London outfit and their manager, Ange Postecoglou, still believe in Son’s ability in order to offer him a new contract.

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Amad Diallo

The young Ivorian earned some time in the spotlight last season when he was given opportunities by manager Erik ten Hag at Man United, impressing with his speed, link-up play, and finishing, which prompted the United manager to include him in the 2024/25 pre-season tour.

Amad’s pre-season performances have earned him a place in the United first team for the season, though his contract is set to expire next summer. Surely United wouldn’t want to let go of a young talent about to hit his prime years.

Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire joined Man United from Leicester City in summer 2019 for a whopping £80 million, becoming in the process the most expensive defender ever.

Over the years, Maguire has performed reasonably well for both club and country, though he has never really been able to justify his price tag. Now 31, the Englishman also finds himself in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, and the recent signing of young defender Leny Yoro is an ominous sign for the former United captain. Though the club retain the option to extend his contract by a year, it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if he’s shown the exit door next summer.

Thomas Partey

Thomas Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atlético Madrid. The 31-year-old Ghanaian has had an injury-riddled stay with the Gunners, having not been able to make the kind of impact he would have liked.

The 2023/24 season saw Partey suffer with persistent injury issues, because of which he made only 14 Premier League appearances. Even though Mikel Arteta prefers him over Declan Rice in the deep-lying midfield role and has given him starts in the 2024/25 season so far, it remains to be seen whether he will be handed a contract extension before the end of the season.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Dominic Calvert-Lewin joined Everton from Sheffield United in 2016. Since then, he has been a vital player in the Toffees’ setup, having scored a total of 68 goals in 250 appearances across all competitions.

However, Everton have witnessed quite a downfall in their performances in recent seasons, and Calvert-Lewin has struggled with injuries throughout his stay at Merseyside thus far. Still, the 27-year-old would back himself to find suitors next season, especially if here to become a free agent.