Seven of Wales’ Euro 2016 heroes whose contracts expire this summer
Four years ago, Wales were in the middle of a remarkable journey that many fans thought they would never experience.
Gareth Bale’s free-kicks, Aaron Ramsey’s masterclasses, Ashley Williams’ leadership and, not forgetting, Hal Robson-Kanu’s turn on that magical night in Lille to send Wales into the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
It was the greatest summer following Coleman’s men, who banished the ghosts of Wales’ last-gasp failures to end the nation’s 58-year wait to feature in a major tournament.
From pipping old rivals England to the top of their group to toppling Belgium, then ranked as the second best ranked team in the world, it was a summer where so many etched their names into Welsh football folklore.
But fast forward four years and a number of Wales’ Euro 2016 heroes will be out-of-contract this summer.
Here’s a rundown of those who could be snapped up by clubs for free ahead of next season’s campaign…
Ashley Williams
Branded ‘captain fantastic’ for his leadership and performances throughout Euro 2016, Ashely Williams suffered a decline after leading Wales to the semi-finals four years ago.
The defender, who headed Wales level against Belgium, struggled to reach the heights that many Everton fans expected him to when he made the move to Merseyside in August 2016.
He joined Stoke City on a season-long loan deal for the 2018-19 campaign before being released by Everton last summer.
Williams has spent this season with Bristol City and, despite being 35, recently admitted that he is keeping his options open, stating he is unsure when he will call time on his career.
James Chester
Another player who played every minute of Wales’ run to the semi-finals alongside Williams, James Chester is on the lookout for a new club.
The defender, who is currently on loan at Championship side Stoke City, will become a free agent this summer when his contract at Villa expires.
However, Chester could remain with Stoke next season after manager Michael O’Neil revealed that he is keen on extending the 31-year-old’s stay at the club.
He endured a torrid time with injuries last year which saw him sidelined for 11 months before he returned for Villa in their League Cup win against Liverpool in December.
The former Hull City defender, who has made nine appearances in the Championship this term, will see out the campaign with Stoke after extending his deal until the end of the season.
Chris Gunter
Fondly remembered that summer for telling the Red Wall to keep their chins up following the agonising defeat against England, Chris Gunter was another consistent performer throughout the tournament.
Gunter, also a fans’ favourite at club level, has been at Reading since 2012 but is set to depart this summer.
The defender’s contract was due to expire on 30 June but, due to the coronavirus pandemic, he agreed a short-term extension to see out the season with the Championship club.
But he will bring an end to his eight-year stay with the Royals following the conclusion of the campaign.
Newly-appointed Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock is one of a number of Championship managers who are reportedly interested in signing the 96-capped international, who has made 16 appearances this term.
Birmingham City are also reportedly interested in landing him.
Joe Ledley
The man who made a remarkable recovery from fracturing his leg to make it on the plane to Euro 2016, Joe Ledley busted out some incredible dance moves throughout the tournament.
He has spent this season playing in the southern hemisphere after jetting off to Australia to join Newcastle Jets on a short-term deal in February.
However, the A-League season was brought to a halt due to the pandemic, which forced Ledley to fly back to the UK in March.
But the campaign has been given the go-ahead to return and former Wales international Carl Robinson, who is manager of Newcastle Jets, is hopeful Ledley can see out the season with the club.
It is, however, unclear whether the 33-year-old will extend his stay in Australia or see out the rest of his career on these shores.
Jonny Williams
Another player who impressed throughout the tournament, Jonny Williams featured in four of Wales’ six games in France.
The midfielder, who helped Charlton Athletic secure promotion to the Championship last season, agreed a one-year deal with the club last summer, with the option of an additional year.
But a knee injury ruled out Williams for 14 Championship matches this term, and he has been limited to 21 league appearances.
The injury served as a huge blow for Lee Bowyer’s side following Williams’ impressive start to the campaign, which saw him grab five assists.
The 19-capped international’s contract was set to expire on 30 June but he has extended his stay at the Valley, ensuring he will see out the rest of the campaign with the Addicks.
Jazz Richards
Jazz Richards was limited to a brief cameo to help keep Slovakia at bay during the final stages of Wales’ opening group stage fixture in Bordeaux.
The defender, who worked alongside Coleman’s assistant manager Paul Trollope during their time together at the tournament, made the switch to Cardiff from Fulham when Trollope was appointed as the Bluebirds’ manager in 2016.
But his time at the Cardiff City Stadium has been plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 57 appearances.
Earlier this month, Cardiff boss Neil Harris confirmed Richards had suffered another injury setback before the defender announced he was leaving the club.
A number of Championship clubs are reportedly interested in signing the 29-year-old.
George Williams
Despite failing to make an appearance in the tournament, George Williams played a part in Wales’ qualifying campaign and was subsequently selected in Coleman’s 23-man squad.
Williams was released by League Two side Forest Green Rovers following a season plagued by injury and is now on the search for a new club.
A number of Scottish Premiership clubs are reportedly lining up a move for the 24-year-old, with Kilmarnock, Livingston and Ross County all interested in the midfielder.
Williams has already spent time in the league following his loan spell at St Johnstone in 2018 and could make a return next season.
[Featured image: Lewis Mitchell]
