BREAKING NEWS: The Super League players are rumored to have signed contracts to play overseas in 2025.
Though the May 1 deadline, which permits clubs to formally begin contract negotiations with players nearing expiration, is still a ways off, the transfer market for 2025 is already gathering steam.
The future of a few of the most well-known players who have contracts expiring later this year have been the subject of heated speculation for weeks, with some rumors going back as far as before the season even began.
Naturally, the real business hasn’t started in earnest yet, but there are credible rumors that several players have already locked in their contracts for 2025 and beyond—even if, technically speaking, that can’t happen just yet because we missed the May 1 deadline. Here is a glance at those disputed players.
Wakefield to Catalans: Tom Johnstone
Johnstone is reportedly returning to the team where he established his name as one of Super League’s biggest breakthrough players, and it is commonly assumed that his future has already been decided.
Last Monday, the French newspaper L’Independent disclosed that Johnstone was in the midst of negotiations with Trinity to return to Wakefield in 2025.
It is suggested that a deal is almost finalized, and if it goes through as predicted, Johnstone will rejoin a completely different team from the one he left only a few years ago. Furthermore, he won’t be the only Catalans player going to Belle Vue.
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Wakefield to Catalans: Mike McMeeken
Back in January, The Yorkshire Post broke the first story claiming that Trinity was pursuing England star McMeeken. It has been stated that a hefty package has been arranged to persuade him to join with Wakefield in 2025, and that agreement is allegedly almost finalized.
It’s believed that before Trinity intervened and offered a more substantial offer, which included a longer contract and a higher income, McMeeken and another Super League team were on the verge of formally agreeing to a deal. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, McMeeken will be a Wakefield player in 2025.
Tom Davies (Catalans to Hull KR): Prior to the start of the season, Rugby League Live disclosed that Davies was anticipated to sign with Hull KR in 2025. This makes Davies the third England-capped player from Catalans who appears certain to depart the team at the conclusion of the current campaign.
Rovers have long been big fans of Davies, and even if the May 1 deadline prevents them from announcing or concluding a deal just yet, it’s believed they have every intention of bringing him to the team the following season, which will free up a wing position at Perpignan.
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From St Helens to Catalans, Tommy Makinson
At one point, it appeared impossible that Makinson would play for a team other than St. Helens, but in 2025, it appears that this will happen.
Makinson may have been the goal of Catalans, according to rumors that Rugby League Live made last month, and they have gained more traction in the previous few weeks. Indeed, there were rumors circulating this week on X and Twitter that a transaction had been finalized.
If Davies is lost as expected, it would undoubtedly be a significant capture for the Dragons.
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