7 Premier League stars who can sign a pre-contract in January
The winter transfer is almost upon us and its time to dust the cobwebs off the rumour windmill for it’s about to be put to some actual news. There are a host of Premier League stars who could sort their futures in January – either by moving to a new club or sign a pre-contract with an interested club and move in the summer.
A pre-contract kicks in for most Premier League players when they have only six months left on their contracts. A clause allows them to negotiate with clubs without the consent of their current club. And while clubs try to ensure this doesn't happen often, given rivals can sign their stars on the free, some of the players outright reject a contract extension due to various reasons.
Here's looking at seven Premier League stars who could sign a pre-contract in January: (As well as who the interested clubs are)
#7 Lucas Leiva
Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva is a free man come the end of the current Premier League season. Having joined the Reds from Gremio nine years ago, Leiva is on the fringes of the first team under manager Jurgen Klopp.
A destroyer capable of playing across the middle of the field, Leiva’s biggest strengths are his ability to read the game but his inability to adapt to Klopp’s high-pressing style has cut short his stint with the Merseyside club.
Liverpool fans love him given his fire and utmost commitment to the club when on the field, but even they know there isn’t space for him in this new regime. A host of Premier League clubs and other European clubs are interested in signing Leiva on the free.
Interested clubs: West Bromwich Albion, Schalke and OGC Nice