The transfer market could see a major shift next summer.
There are some big names out of contract at the end of the 2022/23 season with the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Jorginho, Youri Tielemans, Ilkay Gundogan, Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino potentially up for grabs. That is a highly unusual state of affairs with quite so many big, established names on the market as free agents in one window and several big Premier League clubs are watching developments closely.
But the market is also shifting for the players because the huge money once on offer to free agents is appearing to dry up. Big names would often be guaranteed an eye-watering package if they were out of contract with a signing-on fee, bonuses and a far bigger deal as the money clubs saved on a transfer fee would be redirected towards the player and his representatives.
However, that is changing and, while free agents remain as hot properties, they are unlikely to get the mega money which was once on offer. Players are also tending to run down contracts not so much to get huge deals but more because they then have a pick of their clubs.
Arsenal are watching on because their squad needs strengthening and it could be that they look at the various frees on offer next summer. They are long-term admirers of Leicester ’s Belgium midfielder Tielemans while they would have competition from Chelsea on Zaha.
Chelsea are still trying to re-negotiate on Jorginho but there could be no shortage of takers while Keita would be a hugely attractive option. Even though football’s gravy train is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to TV deals, commercial tie-ups, transfer fees and contracts in general, clubs appear to be ready to trim back certain areas.
There are a host of other big names whose contracts are coming to an end in 2023 but they include an extension option - and the grass might not be greener on the other side.
Rashford impresses Southgate
Marcus Rashford has impressed the England set-up with his determination to get back to form with Manchester United. Rashford has been sensational under Erik ten Hag, refused to give up and that attitude seems certain to get him back into Gareth Southgate’s squad next week.
If there is one player who deserves to be back for Qatar, then it is him. He would have been in the last squad but for injury and, based on form, he is making a strong case to start in attack.
Players in England's 55 get confidence boost
Fringe players got their hopes up after receiving travel details and World Cup logistics from the Football Association. The FA had to inform FIFA of up to 55 players they could look to call up even before Gareth Southgate names his final squad of 26 for Qatar next Thursday.
But with many clubs giving players up to a fortnight off after the last round of Premier League games, those who are on the fringes have effectively been put on standby just in case they were about to book an expensive holiday.
However, it will be a nice confidence booster for the likes of Eberechi Eze who has surely got an international future ahead of him as well as Callum Wilson, James Maddison, Ben White, Trevoh Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Lewis Dunk and Danny Welbeck to make the long list.
Eye-watering cost for Fury vs Chisora VIPs
Tyson Fury will defend his heavyweight crown against Derek Chisora at White Hart Lane on December 3 - and the hospitality packages cost up to £3,500 each.
That is an eye-watering figure for ringside seats, food and drink while other VIP deals are priced at £2,500, £2,000 and seats in an executive box are going for £900 upwards.
Maybe that is why promoters are having to cold call season ticket holders and anyone who has registered an interest in the past. It is pretty unusual for big events not to sell out - and there are definitely tickets still on offer for this one.
James and Saliba get new representation
B-Engaged have signed up Reece James and William Saliba to their impressive list of clients. The agency will help both with marketing and commercial activity and the pair join the likes of Hector Bellerin, Kai Havertz and Serge Gnabry as more players tap into their potential off the pitch.
