7 Premier League Stars Causing Major Contract Headaches: Jesus, Felix, Casemiro & More
Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal are some of the Premier League teams facing complex contract issues with their prominent high-earning players.
It becomes quite clear that teams are eager to shed particular players once the transfer window opens at the close of the season; however, actually accomplishing this seems much more difficult in practice.
Here are eight of the Premier League's trickiest contract conundrums approaching this summer's transfer window.
Raheem Sterling
The forward's loan to Arsenal hasn't really jump-started his career, has it?
Even with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team facing numerous injuries, Sterling is finding himself short of playing time. He has managed to start in only 10 matches across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing four assists.
At this stage, we can confidently say that Arsenal isn’t going to make the signing permanent. Since they haven’t impressed during their time on loan, Chelsea may have difficulty finding buyers for them.
However, the 30-year-old’s agreement with Chelsea extends until 2027, spanning another two years from now. Additionally, his estimated weekly salary of approximately £325,000 will likely pose a significant challenge.
Marcus Rashford
Unlike Sterling, Rashford is performing exceptionally well on loan.
Following a challenging period under Ruben Amorim, the forward has made a strong beginning to his time at Aston Villa, earning himself an England call-up as a result.
Villa supposedly has a £40 million option to make the transfer permanent, potentially making it a steal. Nevertheless, replicating his wage (said to be the fifth-largest in the Premier League at £325,000) presents another challenge.
Martial's deal with his current team extends until 2028. Is he truly ready to turn down substantial income and accept less money for a new beginning? We shall find out.
Mykhailo Mudryk
Somewhat overlooked, Mudryk hasn't been seen much at Chelsea since testing positive for a prohibited substance in December.
We're anticipating further developments, but one can envision the circumstances surrounding the Ukrainian winger becoming rather complicated – particularly if we consider Paul Pogba’s experience at Juventus as an example.
When Mudryk transferred from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, he inked an extensive eight-year contract, with the transfer potentially reaching £89 million.
Casemiro
To be equitable, Casemiro is nearing the end of his four-year contract which he signed in 2022.
It’s thought that Manchester United have the option to extend his contract for another year, but considering his current performance, it seems unlikely this will occur.
It’s thought that his wages place him amongst the top earners across all of European soccer, and considering his years and the kilometers he has run, no other team will likely offer an equivalent compensation package.
Ruben Amorim is hoping for a move to the Saudi Pro League, but such opportunities have not materialized during recent transfer windows. It seems likely that another season of a seasoned player roaming the Old Trafford pitch may come to pass.
Antony
Just like Rashford, Antony seems to have had a burden lifted off his shoulders since being sent out on loan.
The winger has began with an electrifying performance for Real Betis However, they do not have the means to retain him permanently. Regardless of what unfolds subsequently, United appear highly likely to incur a massive loss on their £81 million expenditure.
"We need to launch a crowdfunding campaign to see if we can bring him back for at least another season," teammate Isco told DAZN.
Anthony still has two more years remaining on his contract with the Red Devils. It wouldn’t be surprising if he spends part of this time on one or two more loans.
Gabriel Jesus
We aren't against Brazilians. Really.
Initially, Jesus truly seemed like a revelation during his first couple of months with Arsenal — as though he would become a crucial player as they made significant progress towards becoming the title-contending team we recognize now.
However, he was unable to sustain that level of performance. With hisACL injury and the expectation that Arsenal will bring in a new forward, it’s hard to envision him playing a significant role in the team’s plans moving forward.
Considering his significant injury, it’s unlikely that a new team would want to take the chance on signing him this summer. His contract is set to run through until 2027.
QUIZ: Could you list the top 30 most costly transfers between teams within the Premier League?
Joao Felix
Oh, Chelsea. Haven't you learned anything?
The Blues invested around £45 million to bring the Portuguese striker from Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window... but then lent him to AC Milan just half a year after signing him.
Felix has not lit up the San Siro, and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano is now stating that the Rossoneri will not make the move permanent.
It’s great that Chelsea have tied him down until 2031, isn’t it?
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TRY A QUIZ: Could you list the top 20 football players who have had the most expensive cumulative transfers?