Five Premier League club captains who could leave this summer, from Odegaard to Bowen

Captains are among the most important figures at any football club, but there's uncertainty around a number of armband-wearing Premier League stars this summer.

Martin Odegaard - Arsenal

Arsenal are in need of sales this summer to fund their transfer business, and Martin Odegaard has been named as a potential exit.

The Norwegian's frustrating run with injuries has limited him to just 13 league starts this season, in which he has scored only one Premier League goal.

Once the centrepiece of Arsenal's creativity, there are now genuine question marks over his role in the club's best XI this season, following the arrival of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. Top clubs are understood to be monitoring his situation in North London.

Bernardo Silva - Manchester City

Pep Guardiola has fought tooth and nail to keep Bernardo Silva at Manchester City in recent seasons, but the midfielder's nine-year spell at the Etihad could conclude this summer. Silva's contract expires at the end of the campaign, and the Portugal midfielder will not be short of options.

Juventus, Benfica and Saudi Pro League sides have all been linked with the 31-year-old, who may feel now is the right time to depart after a decorated near-decade in Manchester.

– Saturday, 28 February 2026

Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United

Addressing Bruno Fernandes 's future is not quite as urgent as his compatriot across town, but Manchester United still face a big decision. The club captain will enter the final 12 months of his deal in the summer, with the Red Devils facing an ultimatum: renew or sell.

Fernandes remains an elite talent, leading the Premier League for assists (14) this season. However, he will turn 32 in September, and Manchester United will be reluctant to hand a lucrative long contract to a player whose returns may diminish in the near future.

Fernandes, however, will be aware this may be his last big contract and will feel he is still at the peak of his powers.

Cristian Romero - Tottenham Hotspur

Cristian Romero has not been afraid to take shots at the Tottenham board of late. The unhappy Argentine has slammed a lack of investment, poor squad depth, and silence from the hierarchy during difficult periods in recent months.

His unrest points towards a summer exit, with clubs in England and Spain open to a deal. If Spurs are relegated, his sale will be inevitable.

– Wednesday, 3 December 2025

Jarrod Bowen - West Ham United

Jarrod Bowen 's commitment to West Ham is unquestionable, but the club's fortunes on and off the pitch could lead to his exit.

West Ham's financial figures mean the club will need to sell players even if they avoid relegation from the Premier League , after posting a £104.2m loss for the last financial year.

Bowen is among the club's most valuable assets, having scored 82 goals in 269 games since arriving from second-tier Hull City in January 2020. His sale would be a huge blow to Nuno Espirito Santo.