Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea may be leading the way in the Premier League, but all three clubs are experiencing the same worrying trend regarding players out of contract which could cause serious problems heading into next year.
Pep Guardiola has built an empire in his time at City, winning three Premier League titles as well as four Carabao Cup trophies.
But all three clubs at the top of the Premier League have some of their best players out of contract in 2023 with no clear signs they will all be resolved.
Extending Salah’s contract has seemingly been the priority, but Jurgen Klopp has made it clear just how important both Firmino and Mane are to his squad.
But they aren’t alone in some of their key starters clearly looking at alternative options.
Gundogan and Mahrez appear likely to sign extensions, but no progress has been made in talks with Jesus and Sterling.
Players running down contracts at their clubs appear to be a relatively new phenomenon in European football.
Elite clubs appear more keen on holding a regulated wage structure now more than ever as opposed to handing out mega contracts, weighing up the worth in bringing in possible replacements.
Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have already come in and made an instant impact, but they’re impressive displays have undoubtedly been helped by having Liverpool’s usual front three alongside them.
Resolving the contract issues is clearly no easy task with each player different in what they want and representatives having more of a say in negotiations than ever.