Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all face the issue of naming a new captain ahead of the 2023-24 season. All three clubs have either lost their primary leaders, or are about to see them depart this summer, and that could affect their preparations heading into the new Premier League season. Arsenal do not have the same issue, though, with skipper Martin Odegaard set to stay for the foreseeable future.
Despite a waning influence, captains still play an important role in their respective teams. It is unusual that three top Premier League clubs would all lose theirs in a single transfer window, but the ever-changing nature of the transfer market means it is inevitable for the aforementioned clubs.
United are reportedly willing to allow club captain Harry Maguire to depart this summer. Erik ten Hag opted against using the England international in his first-choice centre-back pairing last season, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez preferred by the Dutchman.
Bruno Fernandes was often selected as the man to wear the armband. However, the leadership qualities of the Portugal star were often questioned, particularly after he was criticised for pushing an assistant referee during United’s 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool.
Ten Hag stepped in to back his vice-captain, but the United boss will know that he has other options to replace Maguire. Casemiro, having now settled in a year after his move from Real Madrid, is surely a candidate. Varane is another.
Meanwhile, Liverpool could lose Jordan Henderson in the coming weeks. The England international has ‘accepted’ a move to Saudi Arabia, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that he has informed Jurgen Klopp of his decision on Thursday.
Henderson has been Liverpool’s captain since Steven Gerrard left Anfield in 2015. He was the natural successor to Gerrard, and he could reunite with the Reds icon at Al Ettifaq. But there are not many obvious contenders within the squad to replace Henderson.
Virgil van Dijk is often picked as captain when Henderson is not on the pitch, but the Dutch defender is now 32 and Klopp may choose to select someone who would be able to wear the armband for the foreseeable future.
If Liverpool choose to go down that path, Trent Alexander-Arnold would be the ideal candidate. The defender is supposedly in discussions over a new contract to extend his stay beyond 2025.
Chelsea face the same issue as their Premier League rivals. The Blues have lost long-serving defender Cesar Azpilicueta to Atletico Madrid, while Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho – two men who would stand in for the Spaniard when he was absent – have both departed within the last six months.
A relatively new squad at Chelsea gives Mauricio Pochettino few options from which to pick his next captain, with Thiago Silva turning 39 on his next birthday. He could get an early win with supporters by picking academy graduate and fans’ favourite Reece James, although the wing-back has struggled with injuries for the last 12 months.
Those decisions will continue to hang over the three clubs, while Arsenal can rest assured knowing Odegaard will lead Mikel Arteta’s men into next season.
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