They will also vote on opening a mini-window in the last week of June when they are permitted to approach out of contract players to sign for next season.
The defining vote on whether to resume the season will not take place until May 18, a week on Monday, amidst continued in-fighting between the clubs, but resolving the complex issues surrounding players’ contracts would represent a significant step towards the Premier League returning next month.
Players’ contracts expire on June 30, which presents a major problem for the clubs as even under the best-case scenario in which the Premier League resumes on June 12 the domestic season would carry on into August.
As a result the Premier League have proposed a series of amendments to its rules, which will be presented to the clubs in a conference call on Monday. After discussing other controversial issues including neutral venues, the fixture schedule and training protocols the clubs will then vote on a number of significant changes, including:
There are 171 Premier League players out of contract this summer including Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen, Willian and Pedro at Chelsea and Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser, which could lead to a frantic week of activity at the end of June with clubs scrambling for free transfers if the proposals are accepted.
In normal circumstances out of contract players are free to talk to other clubs from the third week of May, but the Premier League want to push this period of negotiating back a month to prevent players who could still play for their existing clubs if the season resumes in June being unsettled.
Chelsea forward Willian has already been inundated with offers and is understood to be considering an offer of a three-contract contract at Arsenal. Manager Mikel Arteta has been told that he will be limited to free transfers this summer so Arsenal could be very active if the new window is agreed.
The proposed amendments to the Premier League rules make clear that players who accepted what is termed as 'season 2019/20 contract extensions' cannot be offered a pay-rise, although additional insurance to protect the player could be included in the agreements.
If the proposal is accepted clubs must inform the Premier League of 2019/20 extensions and any new contracts agreed for next season by 23 June. Any compensation fees arising from out-of-contract players aged under 24 signing for other clubs must be paid within four days of the end of the rescheduled season.
Resolving contractual difficulties was one of objections to Project Restart raised by several executives at last week’s Premier League meeting, but the clubs are expected to vote through the proposals before moving on to discuss even more contentious issues such as the plans to stage matches at neutral grounds and fixture scheduling.
The clubs will also receive a presentation from the Premier League on the risks of Project Restart, as well other potential options.
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