Manchester United set to trigger two contract extensions – four others could ‘leave for free’

Manchester United are set to trigger two one-year contract extensions as four further players could leave for free in 2025.

Manchester United will need to make a number of contract decisions in the coming months as the INEOS-led leadership group settle into life as the club’s sporting decision-makers.

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased 27.7% of the club, United have halted contract negotiations for most players. Bruno Fernandes is the only high-profile player to receive a significant extension since the acquisition in December, signing on until 2027.

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In January 2024, Victor Lindelöf, Hannibal Mejbri, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka had their contracts extended via options in their deals that can see the club trigger a further season to retain resale value. The latter two were sold six months later.

Beyond this, Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans were also handed one-year extensions in the summer. At the same time, Toby Collyer was recently rewarded with a three-year extension to match his promise.

Two further extensions

However, with January around the corner, United have another set of expiring contracts to deal with and are set to trigger the one-year options in a further two players’ contracts in the coming months.

According to ManchesterWorld, United are set to trigger the one-year extensions in both Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo’s respective contracts.

This would allow the club to retain resell value and also block the players from negotiating potential transfers out of the club from January onwards. Players with fewer than six months remaining on their deals can engage in direct negotiations with other clubs for free, as per the 1995 Bosman ruling.

Four free exits

Beyond this, four players, whose contracts expire at the end of June, will leave the club for free.

As mentioned above, Evans and Heaton are on new one-year deals, meaning they will be free to depart without strings attached when they expire in June 2025.

However, the same also goes for Lindelöf and midfielder Christian Eriksen. Lindelöf is attracting attention from the Turkish side, Fenerbahce, while Eriksen recently confirmed that no negotiations are taking place with United regarding an extension.

From January, both players will be free to negotiate contracts with other clubs ahead of the transfer window. Alternatively, United may try to sell either player for a fee.

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