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Tight contest as United fall to Dutch opponents in first leg of European competition

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    Manchester United u19s took on AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday.

    The Dutch side won the competition just two seasons ago so it was sure to be a tough fixture for Adam Lawrence’s side.

    The open exchanges were even with neither side threatening the goal until a mistake from Tristan Kuijsten. The AZ keeper allowed Jeremiah Esajas’ back pass to slip under his foot and into the net to give United the early lead.

    The home side then looked to level it up with the tricky Julian Oerip causing problems in the final third. Habeeb Ogunneye provided an excellent clearance shortly before being forced off due to injury.

    Approaching the end of the first half, United failed to clear AZ’s corner allowing Yoel van den Ban to provide the finish from close range.

    Oerip then forced a top save from William Murdock just before the whistle as United breathed a sigh of relief to go into the break level.

    The tight contest continued into the second half with Ashton Missin forcing a scrambling block from the AZ defender.

    It was chaos in the AZ area as United looked to force their way in, but Jayce Fitzgerald’s effort was blocked wide in the end after some nice skill to open the space to shoot.

    In the 67th minute, Murdock produced another strong save but AZ regained possession quickly to set up Kasper Boogard, who struck past Murdock to give AZ the lead.

    United looked to respond with some dangerous crosses into the box, the first of which was just out of reach for Ethan Wheatley and then Gabriele Biancheri couldn’t keep his effort on target.

    The Red Devils controlled the final stages but late chances from Fitzgerald and Jack Fletcher couldn’t find the net to give United the equaliser they were chasing.

    United now turn to the return leg where they will host AZ Alkmaar at Old Trafford with a big crowd expected to be behind them to turnover the 2-1 deficit.

    United: Murdock, Ogunneye (Kamason 31), Jackson, Armer (Munro 46), Amass, Devaney, Fitzgerald, J. Fletcher, Missin (Mantato 60), Wheatley (Biancheri 72), Williams (Ibragimov 72)

    Unused subs: Byrne-Hughes, Obi-Martin, Baumann, Scanlon

    A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years.

    United Women star ruled out of highly-anticipated international clash with a concussion

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      Manchester United Women defender Maya Le Tissier will miss England’s upcoming match against the USA due to a concussion.

      United confirmed in a statement, “Maya Le Tissier was diagnosed with concussion after Manchester United’s WSL game with Chelsea on Sunday.”

      “She will miss England’s upcoming meeting with the USA and be assessed at the club as she progresses through the ‘return to play’ concussion protocol.”

      The FA also relayed the same information in a separate statement.

      It remains unclear whether Le Tissier will also be unavailable for selection when England meet Switzerland.

      The Lionesses will take on the USA at Wembley on Saturday before coming up against Switzerland at Bramall Lane on Tuesday.

      To be completely safe, all parties may ultimately choose to have Le Tissier sidelined during the ongoing international break, to ensure she is in the best possible shape when club football returns.

      To replace the United skipper, England boss Sarina Wiegman has called up Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy.

      Le Tissier has played every minute of the Women’s Super League (WSL) so far this season, as United currently sit in fifth place in the standings, nine points below table leaders Chelsea.

      Marc Skinner’s side suffered their first loss of the campaign on Sunday at the hands of Chelsea. Guro Reiten’s first-half penalty was the difference at Kingsmeadow.

      Following Le Tissier’s withdrawal, United are currently being represented in the England squad by MillIe Turner and Gabby George.

      Le Tissier and United are back in action on December 8, when they host Liverpool at Leigh Sports Village.

      Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

      Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

      Ruben Amorim hit with huge dose of reality after United’s latest announcement

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        Manchester United have announced their first quarter financial results, revealing total revenue up to September 30 was £143.1million.

        This includes a profit of £1.3m compared to a £32.8m loss during the same period last year. The modest profit highlights just how little new head coach Ruben Amorim will have to spend as he seeks to bolster his squad.

        Soon after INEOS billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his partial 27.7% investment in the club, United moved to make around 250 staff members redundant. This was aimed at slashing operational costs, amidst a desire to remain compliant with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

        United relay that their commercial revenue took a hit as a result of a shorter pre-season campaign.

        Unlike last year in which the Red Devils played five matches in the United States, they played just three games before the start of the ongoing 2024/25 season.

        The club’s commercial revenue for the first quarter stands at £85.3m, which represents a slight 5.6% reduction from last year’s first quarter.

        United have also confirmed a loss in broadcast revenue compared to the first quarter of 2023. Amorim’s side earned £31.3m from their participation in the Europa League. Last year’s broadcasting revenue was higher because United were in the Champions League.

        It’s important to note that United’s latest figures do not take into account the compensation forked out to Erik ten Hag following his dismissal as manager last month, of around £15m, or the €11m sum paid to Sporting Lisbon for the appointment of Amorim as the Dutchman’s replacement.

        The matchday revenue for the first quarter closely mirrors the figure from the same period last year, with United generating £26.5 million compared to £27.4 million previously—a slight decrease of just 3.3%.

        Reacting to United’s financial results, chief executive Omar Berrada said, “The season is now well underway for both our men’s and women’s team, and we are keen to ensure both are as competitive as possible.”

        “We are delighted to have appointed Ruben Amorim as head coach of our men’s team and remain committed to returning Manchester United to the top of domestic and European football.”

        “Our renovation of the Carrington Training Centre is progressing well, while the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force continues its work.”

        “Once it has delivered its recommendations, we will then take some time to digest them and evaluate all our options in the upcoming year.”

        United return to Europa League action on Thursday when they host FK Bodø/Glimt at Old Trafford.

        Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

        Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

        Man Utd: Murphy predicts surprising Amorim snub with ‘someone not at the club’ to replace England star

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          Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy expects new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim to snub England international Kobbie Mainoo.

          The 19-year-old was sensational for his boyhood club during the 2023/24 campaign as he was one of the breakout starts in the Premier League.

          Mainoo made a huge impact as he broke onto the scene, shining for Man Utd and England in difficult situations.

          The teenager has not played for Man Utd since last month’s goalless draw against Aston Villa as he’s picked up a muscle injury. He was an unused substitute on Sunday afternoon as his side were held to a 1-1 statemate at Ipswich Town in Amorim’s first game in charge.

          Circumstances meant Amorim had to select Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in centre-midfield, but they are likely to be replaced by Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte in the coming weeks.

          A recent report from Fabrizio Romano revealed Amorim “loves” Mainoo, but Murphy has indicated that he cannot see the head coach playing him alongside Ugarte.

          “To play that role well, United’s midfielders will need to be more than just mobile, too,” Murphy told BBC Sport.

          READ: Eight Man Utd kneejerk predictions on player exits after Amorim’s first game include Rashford leaving

          “They will both have to love the defensive side of the game and be able to spot danger and then be fast enough to stop it. In the long run, I think Manuel Ugarte will be one of them.

          “He needs a run of games to get his sharpness back, but we have seen glimpses of how good he is, for example, in the Europa League against Fenerbahce last month, and he has flourished under Amorim at Sporting before.

          “As for who Ugarte will have alongside him, well, it will probably be someone who is not at the club at the moment.

          “There is going to have to be activity in the next couple of transfer windows for them to get the type of player Amorim requires.”

          MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
          👉 Man Utd ‘offer more’ than Euro giants in ‘tempting’ deal to sign Amorim’s chosen ‘flop replacement’
          👉 INEOS identify Man Utd ‘lost cause’ who will ‘make way’ for ‘proven’ star in transfer market
          👉 Amorim ‘demands’ Man Utd sign PSG star as Euro giants take ‘major step’ towards Rashford deal

          Murphy has also explained why he would be “amazed” if Man Utd are “still playing 3-4-3 in a year’s time”. 

          “I would be amazed if they are still playing a 3-4-3 in a year’s time,” Murphy added.

          “This league is very, very different than continental leagues. We have only had Chelsea in recent years win playing that system. And, let’s be honest, they had Kante and Matic – two wonderful midfielders in the middle of the pitch, plus Costa up top with Hazard supporting him and helping them as well.

          “They [Manchester United] don’t have those players yet and how do you find them? It costs hundreds of millions to get the best players in the world.

          “When you play three at the back against the majority of good teams in our league who play three high, you end up being a five and that is really difficult.

          “If Manchester United are going to become much better and be competitive, I think that 3-4-3 will evolve into something else.”

          United star follows in the footsteps of his teammate to win incredible award for his outstanding efforts

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            Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been given the FIFPRO Player Impact Award for his humanitarian efforts in his native Cameroon and across the African continent.

            Thank you for this recognition of the outstanding work carried out by the #AndreOnanaFoundation to improve our community. Our commitment remains steadfast. We will continue working together. ❤️💪🏾 https://t.co/IKNaPhijkM

            — Andre Onana (@AndreyOnana) November 26, 2024

            The United man’s charity, the Andre Onana Foundation, provides free medical care and high-quality surgeries to underprivileged communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

            It’s believed that doctors have performed more than 1,200 operations over the past three years.

            Reacting to being handed the accolade, Onana said [via The Mirror], “When I passed through Barcelona, Amsterdam and Milan on my way to Manchester United, I had people who helped me on that journey.”

            “When I was down, they gave me a hand so that I could stand up. I’ve never forgotten the help I received. Because of the people in the past who supported me, I feel I have a responsibility to give back and help others.”

            “When I started the Andre Onana Foundation, the idea was to help blind children in Cameroon. We received a lot of support and it’s since grown to become an NGO that provides free medical care and surgeries to children and adults from underprivileged communities.”

            The 28-year-old added, “We bring doctors and surgeons, mostly from Spain, to perform the procedures in Africa.”

            “In July this year, we had our fourth surgical campaign where a delegation of Spanish health professionals – from nurses to paediatric surgeons – helped over 350 people in Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital.”

            “I want to thank FIFPRO and the Cameroonian player union Synafoc; this big donation is very welcome, and our team already have plans in place to do some nice things for the kids, hopefully in cooperation with UNICEF.”

            “As for the future of the Andre Onana Foundation, we have a lot of things ahead. We’re in conversation with the United Nations to do a collaboration and our main priority going forward is to impact as many people as we can in the world.”

            Onana becomes the second United player to collect the award, after teammate Marcus Rashford.

            Rashford also won it in 2020 following his campaign for free school meals for disadvantaged children in the UK.

            Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

            Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

            Academy duo who have impressed Amorim in training “in contention” to feature vs Bodo/Glimt – report

              academy-duo-who-have-impressed-amorim-in-training-“in-contention”-to-feature-vs-bodo/glimt-–-report

              Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim was forced into making several alterations to his starting XI for the game against Ipswich Town on Sunday due to the numerous injuries at the back.

              While Harry Maguire has been sidelined for sometime now, both Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof picked up knocks on international duty.

              Leny Yoro, despite being part of Amorim’s first training session, is still not ready to be thrown into the deep end and the club is being extra careful with his rehabilitation.

              And with so many defenders not there, the Portuguese was forced to start with Jonny Evans on the left of the back three with Noussair Mazraoui on the right.

              Academy prospects impressing Amorim

              And with the trio expected to remain sidelined for Bodo/Glimt’s visit to Old Trafford, Amorim could turn to the academy to make up the numbers.

              As reported by The Manchester Evening News, Jack Kingdon is in line to be included in the matchday squad after recently being called up to senior team training by the new head coach.

              The likes of Harry Amass, Louis Jackson, Habeeb Ogunneye were all called up the UEFA Youth League squad, which makes their presence unlikely.

              Apart from Kingdon, Godwill Kukonki might also find a place on the bench for Thursday’s Europa League clash. The 16-year-old has impressed Amorim and even travelled with the team to Ipswich, even though he did not feature on the bench.

              Kingdon, Kukonki to be selected

              “Manchester United youngster Jack Kingdon is in contention to be included in the Europa League squad to face Bodo/Glimt. Godwill Kukonki might also make the Europa League squad after travelling down to Portman Road.

              “United will host an open training session at Carrington at 11am on Wednesday ahead of facing Bodo/Glimt and the absence of senior centre-backs could see Kingdon involved with the senior squad for the first time in his career when Norwegian side visit Old Trafford on Thursday.”

              Both Kingdon and Kukonki are not on United’s Europa League B List but can be included as long as United submit new additions to UEFA before midnight one day prior to the game.

              With teams allowed to name a 23-man squad in the Europa League, both could feature on the bench for the first time in their careers on Thursday.

              Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

              Man Utd ‘offer more’ than Euro giants in ‘tempting’ deal to sign Amorim’s chosen ‘replacement for flop’

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                According to reports, Manchester United have ‘offered more’ than Serie A giants Napoli as they are ‘swooping’ to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

                The Red Devils have been linked with numerous potential signings following Ruben Amorim’s arrival and his first game in charge against Ipswich Town was further proof that he has a big job at Old Trafford.

                Man Utd are short in various positions but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano is adamant that their immediate priority is “going for a proper left-back”.

                “Man Utd want to go for a proper left-back,” Romano told his YouTube channel. “Ruben Amorim is very happy with Diogo Dalot as a player, professional, can play several positions, top leader, big professional. So very happy with Diogo Dalot.

                “But, they need a player who can cover that position on a regular basis. Obviously Dalot can play on the right. That’s his position actually, he is only helping on the left.

                “And so, a new player in that position, a left-back remains a top priority. From what I’m hearing, even after the Ipswich game the message from Ruben Amorim to Manchester United management is that we need a player in that position in 2025.

                “It could be in January, could be in the summer. It is based on opportunities, based on price, based on several factors. But, Manchester United want to go for a player in that position.”

                READ: Eight Man Utd kneejerk predictions on player exits after Amorim’s first game include Rashford leaving

                Despite this, Man Utd are also being linked with Napoli and Georgia winger Kvaratskhelia.

                Earlier this month, a report claimed the £90m-rated ‘special talent’ has been chosen as the ‘replacement for flop’ Antony, who ‘will be allowed to move on’ next year.

                23-year-old Kvaratskhelia has been in fine form for Napoli this season, grabbing five goals and two assists in his 15 appearances across all competitions.

                The winger is under contract until 2027. While he is in talks with Napoli over a new contract, a report in Italy claims Man Utd are ‘swooping’ with a ‘tempting offer’.

                MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
                👉 Signing of ‘new Lamine Yamal’ at Man Utd ‘not expected to be finalised until the summer’
                👉 INEOS identify Man Utd ‘lost cause’ who will ‘make way’ for ‘proven’ star in transfer market
                👉 ‘P***ed off’ ex-Man Utd star fuming at Red Devils for giving signing ‘a treasured number’

                The ‘proposal presented’ by Napoli is worth around six million euros ‘including bonuses’, Man Utd are ‘offering more’. They are ‘ready to tempt the Georgian with a five-year contract at eight million euros per season plus one in easily achievable bonuses’, which is ‘in line with the summer offer made by PSG for 10 million’.

                ‘Napoli’s idea is to renew and move forward together, but to date, there is no agreement between the parties. President De Laurentiis’ club has already presented its proposal of 6 million, bonuses included, and does not intend to go beyond that threshold.

                ‘If the stalemate is not resolved by the end of the season, two years before the expiry, then Napoli would enter into the mindset of selling Kvaratskhelia, leaving a double option open.

                ‘The first: sale of the player with a cash compensation of around 100 million. The second: sale of the Georgian with a fixed economic part and a part determined by a technical counterpart that the club likes.’

                United already poised to sign sensational 16-yo academy prodigy on professional terms – report

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                  Marcus Rashford scored the first goal of the Ruben Amorim era but apart from the early strike, he hardly managed to affect play against Ipswich Town on Sunday.

                  The Mancunian eventually made way with the Portuguese bringing on both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the second half but neither of them fared any better.

                  Amorim has a hell of a job on his hands to get his strikers firing and it is clear that he needs reinforcements via the transfer market.

                  However, INEOS have already made it clear that the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss will not get a huge war chest to work with and will need to try and work with what he has already got.

                  United need goals

                  If both Hojlund and Zirkzee keep messing up, the solution could come from the famed United academy with plenty tipping Chido Obi-Martin to be ready to make his breakthrough this season.

                  He was a goal machine during his Arsenal days and even netted 10 times in a game against Liverpool’s youth team. The 20-time English league champions had to beat off competition from multiple big clubs to secure his signature in the summer.

                  The 16-year-old has wasted little time in impressing in red since his highly-publicised move and already has four goals in as many games for United’s U18s.

                  As expected, Chido Obi-Martin will sign his first professional contract with Manchester United on Friday, after turning 17.

                  There is an internal expectation that first-team involvement is on the horizon for the Danish striker, with training participation a likely next-step. pic.twitter.com/fmMNtMWPa2

                  — SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) November 26, 2024

                  He is all set to be promoted to the UEFA Youth League squad and as per Tipsbladet, is in line to sign his first professional contract at the club on his birthday this Friday.

                  Rules in England state a player can sign a professional contract once they turn 17 and the Red Devils will waste no time in offering the Denmark U18 international fresh terms.

                  Obi-Martin first professional deal

                  “Chido Obi-Martin turns 17 on Friday, and in England you have to be 17 before you can sign a professional contract with a club.

                  “For the first few months, the Danish striker has played for Manchester United on a so-called “scholarship”, but on his birthday, Chido Obi-Martin signs a professional contact with the English big club. Manchester United confirms this to Tipsbladet.”

                  Obi-Martin had the option of staying at the Gunners but decided to make the move to Old Trafford as he felt the chances of earning a senior breakthrough were much higher at United.

                  As revealed by the reliable Academy Scoop on X, Amorim is expected to take a look at Obi-Martin in the coming weeks in senior training.

                  Amorim does have a reputation of trusting in youth and the Dane just needs to ensure the goals keep flowing and the chance of earning his senior debut could be close by.

                  Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

                  United on red alert as “desperate” long-term target will be allowed to leave on loan in January – report

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                    Brighton and Hove Albion striker and long-term Manchester United target Evan Ferguson will reportedly be allowed to seal a loan move in January.

                    United have been linked to Ferguson over the past few years but needless to say, a transfer has never materialised.

                    He enjoyed a rapid rise into first-team football, quickly becoming one of Brighton’s most promising players. He had two fantastic seasons but picked up a ligament injury last year, which prevented him from nailing down a consistent run of performances and matches.

                    Ferguson successfully managed to play while dealing with the issue but he was eventually forced to undergo an operation in April.

                    Fabian Hürzeler’s arrival – following Roberto De Zerbi’s departure in the summer – marked the beginning of Ferguson’s fall from grace at the Amex Stadium.

                    Hürzeler has proven to be a hit at Brighton, with the club currently in fifth position in the Premier League table.

                    The 31-year-old manager has so far demonstrated a clear preference for the likes of Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter and João Pedro to lead the line – a state of affairs that has limited Ferguson to just one league start so far this term.

                    In total, Ferguson has been afforded a measly 105 minutes of top-flight action and has found the back of the net once.

                    A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Republic of Ireland international is keen to part ways with Brighton in search of regular playing time.

                    The Telegraph now reveal that Ferguson will be available on loan during the winter transfer window – music to the ears of United and any other interested parties.

                    It’s understood that he is “desperate” to play matches and revive his career.

                    “Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson is available on loan this January, with the very promising Republic of Ireland international currently unable to get game time under new manager Fabian Hürzeler.”

                    “As things stand, Brighton’s form has been so good that it has been difficult for Ferguson to change Hürzeler’s mind. He is valued by Brighton at around £60 million and would interest any number of clubs on loan. Leicester City, Fulham, West Ham United and Newcastle United have all struggled for goals this season. Ferguson signed a six-year deal with Brighton in November last year and is likely to stay on loan in the Premier League rather than drop down to the Championship.”

                    “Ideally, Brighton do not want to sell Ferguson, one of the best young talents in the Premier League. Injuries have slowed his progression this year but he had already shown enough as a teenager to prick the interest of clubs through the division.”

                    United’s difficulties in front of goal this season have been well-documented, with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund struggling to impress.

                    Both stars were overlooked by Ruben Amorim when he named his maiden starting XI to face Ipswich Town on Sunday at Portman Road. Amorim gave the nod to Marcus Rashford to lead the line. Rashford bagged United’s only goal in the 1-1 draw.

                    It was claimed that United will be limited to loan signings in January, amidst the pressures brought about by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. Ferguson represents a shrewd market opportunity for Amorim’s side, especially if the deal comes with an option to buy.

                    United should certainly be all over such a transfer if there’s a chance of getting it over the line.

                    Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

                    Salah panic avoided by Manchester United but Liverpool call puts pressure on Spurs, Man City

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                      Only Newcastle and West Ham get more minutes out of their best-paid player than Liverpool, whose Mo Salah panic is overshadowing problems at six other clubs.

                      Salah is not the only highest earner on a deal expiring imminently. He is not even the only one in his 30s based on Merseyside.

                      Arsenal – Kai Havertz
                      It is not as if there is a pressing need at the Emirates to extend the commitment of a player who joined on a long-term deal only 18 months ago, nor to renew his already handsome terms. Havertz is entitled to pick up a reported £280,000 per week and be told on a fortnightly basis Arsenal have to replace him until 2028

                      Percentage of Arsenal minutes played by Havertz this season: 87.8%

                      Aston Villa – Emi Martinez, Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara
                      “I still think that we can win a trophy here. I will have a go in the next five years and see if we can achieve that,” said Martinez back in August after signing an extension until 2029.

                      Neither Tielemans nor Kamara have signed extensions to the contracts they signed when they joined, both of which run to 2027.

                      Percentage of Aston Villa minutes played by Martinez this season: 88%
                      Percentage of Aston Villa minutes played by Tielemans this season: 87%
                      Percentage of Aston Villa minutes played by Kamara this season: 13.8%

                      Bournemouth – Evanilson
                      As happy as his new employers can be with the acclimatisation and output of their perennially offside record signing, there is little pressure to tie him down any longer. 2029 is plenty long enough.

                      Percentage of Bournemouth minutes played by Evanilson this season: 72.5%

                      Brentford – Aaron Hickey
                      It seems vanishingly unlikely that Hickey is actually the highest-paid player at Brentford but until they grow up and publish a full breakdown of their entire wage bill, he will have to do. Hamstring issues which restricted the right-back to 11 appearances and ruled him out of the Euros last season have already wreaked havoc this campaign and placed pressure on a full recovery being made before his deal expires in 2026.

                      Percentage of Brentford minutes played by Hickey this season: 0%

                      Brighton – Ferdi Kadioglu
                      By the time Kadioglu’s contract expires in 2028 there is a strong chance Brighton have used the Turkish James Milner in every possible position.

                      Percentage of Brighton minutes played by Kadioglu this season: 40.7%

                      Chelsea – Reece James
                      “I cannot wait to see what the future holds, and I am sure we will have the chance of winning many trophies,” said James when he signed his latest deal two years, four permanent managers, 17 Premier League starts and zero trophies ago. Enzo Maresca has already declared that the defender’s “body cannot play twice a week” but all parties might honestly settle for any sort of consistent run before 2028. It really does feel like they maybe should have sold him.

                      Percentage of Chelsea minutes played by James this season: 14.1%

                      Crystal Palace – Daichi Kamada
                      A difficult start to Premier League life for Kamada suggests offering a deal only until 2026 for a well-remunerated free agent was justified.

                      Percentage of Crystal Palace minutes played by Kamada this season: 63.2%

                      Everton – Abdoulaye Doucoure
                      A club on Merseyside whose highest earner is well into their 30s on a contract which expires in 2025, is it? The similarities end there: most supporters seem to agree that Everton should move Doucoure on; plenty reckon it was a mistake in the first place to trigger the one-year extension clause in the summer.

                      Percentage of Everton minutes played by Doucoure this season: 63.8%

                      Fulham – Bernd Leno
                      Rarely has £8m been spent so shrewdly, as reflected when Fulham waited barely 18 months after signing Leno to extend his deal to 2027, with the option of a further year when he’ll presumably be at his 37-year-old peak.

                      Percentage of Fulham minutes played by Leno this season: 85.7%

                      Ipswich – Axel Tuanzebe
                      Kalvin Phillips earns more than three times as much but Manchester City are at least covering a portion of his wages. To be fair, his terms with Ipswich expire at the same time as Tuanzebe, who had a one-year contract extension triggered in the summer to 2025.

                      Percentage of Ipswich minutes played by Tuanzebe this season: 59.4%

                      Leicester – Jamie Vardy
                      The prospect of Vardy and Leicester staying together on a perpetually rolling one-year contract until he finally completes his takeover of Red Bull is very real. When his current deal runs out in 2025 the 15th highest scorer in Premier League history will hope to have caught Robin van Persie, who is four goals ahead.

                      Percentage of Leicester minutes played by Vardy this season: 68.6%

                      Liverpool – Mo Salah
                      No idea when his contract expires; it’s not been mentioned.

                      Percentage of Liverpool minutes played by Salah this season: 88.8%

                      MORE ON SALAH’S SITUATION FROM F365
                      👉 Carragher slams ‘selfish’ Salah as ‘Liverpool will move on’ after contract bombshell
                      👉 Romano quashes Salah contract claim as ‘talks took place’ with Liverpool superstar

                      Manchester City – Kevin de Bruyne
                      “There’s not been a lot of talks. I just want to play good football again. Talks will come. If no talks come, then it’s my last year, so I don’t know,” said De Bruyne upon his latest return, with the Belgian taking a similar stance to Salah and Manchester City handling it all much like Liverpool ahead of crunch talks through 2025.

                      Percentage of Manchester City minutes played by De Bruyne this season: 25.8%

                      Manchester United – Casemiro
                      It’s still quite funny that Manchester United committed up to £70m on a 30-year-old midfielder on a four-year deal which has thus far panned out entirely predictably. It will be funnier still when they let it run before triggering a 12-month extension to 2027 in a mild panic on the pretence it protects the value of a player they cannot hope to find a market for.

                      Percentage of Manchester United minutes played by Casemiro this season: 68.2%

                      Newcastle – Bruno Guimaraes
                      “The fans have made me feel at home since my first day here and I feel so loved in my life,” said Guimaraes just over a year ago when signing himself over to Newcastle until 2028. Transfer rumours persist but any potential suitors face a hefty fee to make anything happen.

                      Percentage of Newcastle minutes played by Guimaraes this season: 89.9%

                      Nottingham Forest – Nikola Milenkovic
                      It would take a brave individual to tell Milenkovic to his face that he isn’t worthy of being Nottingham Forest’s highest earner on a contract until 2029. Maybe don’t open with it.

                      Percentage of Nottingham Forest minutes played by Milenkovic this season: 87.2%

                      Southampton – Aaron Ramsdale
                      The general consensus certainly seems to be that Southampton are punching in this relationship – that looked the case against Liverpool and Russell Martin said the club was “lucky” and “surprised” Ramsdale joined them – but the wages until 2028 are at least worth another probable relegation.

                      Percentage of Southampton minutes played by Ramsdale this season: 83.3%

                      Tottenham – Heung-min Son
                      The captain was said not to be too pleased at plans to trigger a one-year contract extension earlier this season instead of engaging in talks over a more long-term arrangement. As things stand he is another 32-year-old vital to his team’s fortunes while playing on a deal which expires in 2025.

                      Percentage of Tottenham minutes played by Son this season: 53.8%

                      READ MORE: Trent, Son, Amad and 16 other Premier League players out of contract in 2025

                      West Ham – Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta
                      Bowen stressed a desire to “stay here for the rest of my career” when signing a contract until 2030, by which time he will be 33 and probably still playing alongside Michail Antonio.

                      Paqueta remains on the deal he initially signed when joining West Ham, who might wait for certain investigations to be carried out before discussing a stay beyond 2027.

                      Percentage of West Ham minutes played by Bowen this season: 97.4%
                      Percentage of West Ham minutes played by Paqueta this season: 76.7%

                      Wolves – Pablo Sarabia and Goncalo Guedes
                      That is a revealing snapshot into the operation at Wolves, who are hardly getting value for money on signings made in a different era. Guedes is contracted until 2027 but Sarabia’s deal is set to expire in 2025, at which point his entire earnings should probably just be chucked in front of Matheus Cunha.

                      Percentage of Wolves minutes played by Sarabia this season: 24.2%
                      Percentage of Wolves minutes played by Guedes this season: 22.2%

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