Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters could walk away for nothing next summer.
The Saints defender is approaching the final few months of his contract, and the club are already resigned to losing him for free.
According to a report from the Sunday Mirror, Southampton were willing to tie him down on a new deal at St Mary’s, but talks broke down in September.
The England international has no plans to return to the negotiation table.
Walker-Peters is a vastly experienced full-back, and he will not have a shortage of suitors once he becomes available on a free.
West Ham United wanted to sign him in the summer window, but they were priced out of the move. The Hammers could move for him again next summer.
Walker-Peters has been superb for Southampton
The 27-year-old initially joined Southampton on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the January window of 2020.
The move was later made permanent. The versatile full-back, who can play on both flanks, has made over 165 appearances for the Saints in all competitions and spent one season in the Championship as well.
Southampton have made a catastrophic start to the 2024/25 campaign as they find themselves at the bottom of the Premier League table after 11 games.
The Saints will need Walker-Peters to stay and help the club avoid relegation. At the same time, the January window is also the last opportunity for the club to get a decent fee for the defender.
He is not close to striking a new agreement at Southampton and will probably look for fresh challenges elsewhere.
How has Walker-Peters performed this season?
He has made nine appearances this season and picked up one assist.
The former Spurs defender hasn’t created enough chances, managing only 0.8 key passes per game.
He has made 1.4 tackles, 3.3 ball recoveries, 1.8 clearances, and lost possession 9.6 times.
Southampton will face league leaders Liverpool at St Mary’s after the international break in the Premier League.
