2025
Crellin / Virginia
Coleman / Young / Keane
Gana / Doucoure
Lindstrom / Harrison
DCL
I have a nagging feeling the club will offer a new contract to at least one of Young or Coleman. Honestly if it's one of them I'd prefer Young, and help Seamus with his coaching badges.
Definitely offer Gana a final year, but don't even consider offering Doucoure anything.
I'd offer DCL a one-year extension on exactly the same terms, with a club option for a second season, and let him turn it down and make it clear he wishes to leave. On the off chance he stayed, he'd be decent backup.
If Lindstrom can be procured for a decent price, consider bringing him in, or even better a second year on loan Harrison-style. On the subject of him, don't start him again and send him packing after the final game.
2026
Tyrer
Mykolenko / Tarkowski
Garner
Definitely extend Garner to 2028 asap, should do it now tbh, you don't let decent players enter their final season. If Tarkowski doesn't drop off significantly within the next 6 months, offer him a new deal until 2027. Mykolenko try to sell in the summer.
2027
Pickford
Branthwaite / Patterson
Iroegbunam
McNeil
Chermiti / Beto
You've got to be at least offering to extend Pickford and Branthwaite to 2028 with club option for a further season. Obviously fully expect Branthwaite to leave in the summer or within a year, but he's crucial to us and should get a better and longer deal to put the club in the strongest possible negotiating position. See how Tim and Chermiti develop next season, and if they look like they have a bright future, secure them to 2028, but on a sensible wage as they'll still have proven very little in a year's time.
Sell Patterson, McNeil and Beto in the next 18 months.
2028
O'Brien
No need for any talks with him for another 18 months.
2029
Ndiaye
Approach him about a pay rise around Christmas-time 2025 to keep him happy at the club as one of the top earners - bigger clubs will likely be looking at him if he continues to impress.
