When it comes to contract extensions and renewals, a good piece of business is often more effective than a brand new star signing.
History shows that, if you have a key asset, you are usually better to keep hold of him instead of saying farewell and being left with (in some cases) a whole wad of cash struggling to find a replacement of the same calibre.
So far this summer, a few deals stand out for me as making eminent sense and partnerships which should hold both Premier League player and club in good stead.
My trio of performers, who recently extended their contracts at their respective clubs, may have gone largely unnoticed by the wider footballing world but you can bet the fans at Everton, Arsenal and Manchester City are appreciative.
Idrissa Gueye (Everton)
The one year contract extension handed out to this central midfielder will have pleased many a Toffee, even more now they’ve sold Amadou Onana to Aston Villa last week.
That’s because, unlike the Belgian who is full of promise, Gueye is experienced, effective and, on occasion, Everton’s main man.
Plenty of figures deserved credit for Everton’s survival last season in the face of two separate deductions, totalling eight points, for profit and sustainability rule breaches.
Gueye was definitely one of them.
An unlikely hero in many ways, he joined a list of Evertonians who came through unexpectedly in important moments.
In this case, a player who had scored only once since rejoining from Paris Saint-Germain for a nominal fee two years ago, ended up netting twice in a key week to help pull his side over the line.
He also played his part in the last day survival special in May last year.
The 34 year-old may not score many goals, but when he does, they tend to make a difference.
As well as his winner against Brentford and his opener against Nottingham Forest in April, he also scored a late winner away to Crystal Palace in November.
Those points ensured the Toffees overcome the deductions to secure their Premier League status with three games to spare.
First and foremost in the side to anchor the midfield and help guide Everton through choppy waters, when his contract expired this summer, the club would have been nuts not to use the option to extend on the same terms for another year.
They duly did!
Ben White (Arsenal)
Here is a player who plays an important, yet often overlooked role for the Gunners.
He may not be the first name on the lips of supporters but regular Arsenal followers know his value.
‘Little Englanders’ may have an issue after he asked in April not to be included for national team selection for the moment, but that’s their problem.
He makes Arsenal stronger when he plays and is an effective overlapping full-back who frequently breaks opposition lines, whether it is trying to slip in Bukayo Saka or make his own runs to get behind the opposition defence and send over right-sided deliveries.
To give you an indication of his efficiency, White had as many league assists last term (four) as Alejandro Garnacho, Raheem Sterling and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Since his arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021, White has emerged as a crucial member of Mikel Arteta’s first-choice back line and, despite a previous deal which ran until June 2026, the fresh terms have extended that and ensure he should be in North London for what should be the prime years of his career.
Certainly, nobody questions the £50million price tag the way they once may have done.
Oscar Bobb (Man City)
His Premier League highlights to date may be limited but they have proven key.
Now contracted to the champions until 2029, Bobb has already made his mark in pre-season and continues to be the homegrown player most likely to establish himself in the first team following the emergence of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer in recent years.
The 21 year-old is a highly rated prospect and scored the goal which, arguably, won the title for City last term – a last gasp winner as substitute at Newcastle in January.
He began his youth career in his homeland of Norway before embarking on a short stint with Valerenga.
With City since 2019, he progressed well in the club’s academy before breaking into the first-team squad last term.
He may not have racked up too much game time to date, but he has caught the eye to the extent that City have acted to extend his deal before he becomes a regular fixture.
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