Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal risk losing nine stars in January

Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal risk losing several stars this month as their contract wind down. Players can now discuss a pre-contract deal with foreign clubs ahead of departing the top-flight next summer.

Liverpool’s situation has been a hot topic of discussion. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk could all depart Anfield and cause plenty of summer upheaval for Arne Slot. But other clubs face similar dilemmas over the next couple of months.

Express Sport looks at some key names who will be out of contract at the end of the season – and who could even leave from the start of this month.

Man Utd – Amad, Maguire, Lindelof

Ruben Amorim has faced problem after problem since arriving from Sporting CP in November. He now risks losing three players to pre-contract agreements in January. Despite reports of discussions over extensions for Amad Diallo and Harry Maguire, there has been no confirmation that either have signed new deals.

Amad would be a particularly significant loss given his performances in the first month of Amorim’s reign. He and Rasmus Hojlund appear to be two of very few stars who have long-term futures under the Portuguese boss.

Victor Lindelof has always been a solid depth option who would need replacing if he departs for free. That could come at a cost to INEOS, who are infamously keen to limit their expenditure.

Liverpool – Alexander-Arnold, Salah, Van Dijk

Liverpool are top of the Premier League but could face a make-or-break summer. Trent Alexander-Arnold could spend this month formally discussing a deal with suitors Real Madrid, although the right-back insists his talks with his current club will not play out in public.

Salah has taken a contrasting approach, happy to reveal that he has had no offer from Liverpool. The Reds remain keen to tie down both players but will be wary of keeping them within a tight wage structure.

Extending Van Dijjk’s contract will also be vital. Remarkably, the Dutchman seems to be improving at 33.

Arsenal – Partey, Jorginho, Tierney

Mikel Arteta could lose two key midfielders if Thomas Partey and Jorginho decide this month that they wish to explore their options. That could point towards a busy summer attempting to sign a new holding midfielder, with Martin Zubimendi strongly linked with the North Londoners.

Arsenal have already confirmed that Kieran Tierney will depart when his contract expires at the end of the season, freeing up important funds.

Man City – De Bruyne, Gundogan

Manchester City have looked lost without a fully fit Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian has struggled for fitness due to a sports hernia, with his minutes limited while City crumble.

Losing De Bruyne on a free transfer would be a major blow, as would the double whammy of waving goodbye to Ilkay Gundogan, who returned on a one-year deal last summer. De Bruyne has previously not ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia.

Tottenham – Son, Reguilon

Spurs technically have the option to extend Son’s contract by another year. While they have done the same with Ben Davies, it remains a small mystery as to why the same does not appear to have happened for Son.

The experienced forward has guided Ange Postecoglou’s young squad as captain and still remains a top Premier League player at 32. His form has dipped over the past few weeks, and perhaps the Spurs icon is thinking about heading for the exit.

Other notable players – Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson (Newcastle), Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure (Everton) Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton), Adama Traore (Fulham).