The summer transfer window is shut for another year, but if nothing changes, some pretty decent SPFL stars will be without contracts next summer.
This term Hearts took advantage of a player’s contract running down, signing Craig Halkett on a free from Livingston. Motherwell capitialised on this too, signing Declan Gallagher and Liam Polworth from Livi and Inverness for nothing.
There are some bargains to be had next summer too. Whilst some stars may still sign extensions, at this moment in time, they will be looking for new employers.
Here are four SPFL stars whose contracts expire at the end of this season.
Vykintas Slivka
The Lithuanian signed a three-year deal in 2017 after joining from Juventus, but that runs out this summer (Transfermarkt). Good running power and decent ability on the ball make him a decent option for Paul Heckingbottom.
He has never really cemented a place in the Hibs side though and will need to make a big impact in the first half of this season before an extension is tabled.
Stephen O’Donnell
The Scotland international has been brilliant for Kilmarnock, but they could be set to lose him for nothing next summer (Transfermarkt).
O’Donnell will hit 100 appearances for the club this season and has started the season in fine form, scoring twice in four Premiership outings.
With one report claiming he knocked back a new deal though (Evening Times), this brilliant relationship could reach its conclusion next year.
Glenn Whelan
He only recently linked up with Hearts, but Whelan is already proving that he may be a big player for the Jambos this term.
Whelan provides leadership and influence to the midfield. In his most recent game against Hamilton, Craig Levein praised the impact he had on the match (Edinburgh Evening News).
Hearts’ new midfield battler only signed a one year deal though (Transfermarkt) and may be on the lookout for another new home next term.
Liam Donnelly
Motherwell have no fewer than 13 players out of contract next summer (Transfermarkt), but perhaps getting Liam Donnelly tied down long-term will be the big aim.
Since transitioning from centre-back to CDM, the Northern Irishman has been on fire, netting eight times in eight games this season.
He looks like a brilliant CDM too, doing an excellent job of screening the back four. Stephen Robinson will be hoping he doesn’t attract interest over the course of this campaign.