The world of football is ever-changing. It has become incredibly rare that a player stays at a single club for their entire careers. We at Football FanCast take a look at every Premier League club's longest-serving players.
Disclaimer: Only time in the first team counts. We will not be including players' times in various academies.
Arsenal – Mohamed Elneny
January 2016-present
Elneny made the switch to Arsenal from Basel in January 2016 for a £7.4 million transfer fee, one of the last players signed by legendary coach Arsene Wenger, and one of the few remaining.
While Mikel Arteta has utilised the Egypt international sparingly, Elneny has reportedly become a well-liked presence in the dressing room. Adding to his tenure, he inked a one-year contract extension in February 2023.
Aston Villa – John McGinn
August 2018-present
Since joining Aston Villa in August 2018 from Hibernian, John McGinn has become a linchpin in the team's midfield. Known for his tenacity, work rate, and eye for goal, the Scottish international played a crucial role in Villa's promotion to the Premier League in the 2018/19 season.
McGinn seamlessly transitioned into the top flight, showcasing his skill in orchestrating attacks and contributing vital goals. His performances earned him accolades and a reputation as one of Villa's standout players.
Bournemouth – Adam Smith
January 2014-present
Smith had a loan stint at Bournemouth during the 2010/11 season before securing a permanent deal with the club in January 2014. Since then, the right-back has amassed over 300 appearances across various competitions, poised to mark a decade of continuous service for the Cherries in January 2024.
Smith himself has been surprised by how long he's been at the club, “You don’t see it often these days,” he said. “When I first joined Bournemouth, I honestly didn’t expect to be here ten years.
“It’s obviously a great achievement. I’m quite proud that I’ve lasted here ten years. Like I said, you don’t really see it often these days.”
Brentford – Rico Henry
August 2016-present
Despite selling star players like Ollie Watkins in recent years, Brentford have established themselves as a solid Premier League club, and Rico Henry has been with them all the way.
Having joined Brentford from Walsall in 2016, the 26-year-old has smoothly adapted to Premier League football over the past two years. Now approaching the significant milestone, he is on the brink of achieving nearly 200 appearances for the west London club.
Brighton & Hove Albion – Lewis Dunk
April 2010-present
Brighton haven't always been where they are today. When academy graduate, Lewis Dunk made his debut for the club in April 2010, they were still in League One, millions of miles away from the Premier League and some record-breaking sales.
The criminally underrated centre-back has captained the club since 2019/20 and has made three England appearances. He recently extended his stay on the South Coast until 2026. Maybe he will have a statue outside the Amex one day.
Burnley – Johann Berg Gudmundsson
July 2016-present
The Icelandic midfielder was signed from Charlton Athletic, along with ex-goalkeeper Nick Pope, for a combined fee of around £3.5 million. Unlike Pope, Gudmundsson stuck around following Burnley's relegation to the Championship and helped them gain promotion after a single year.
The 33-year-old has made 208 appearances for the club since joining in 2016.
Chelsea – Reece James
September 2019-present
It was a summer of upheaval at Chelsea in 2023, with many of the longest-serving players at the club leaving and being replaced with younger stars. If he'd stayed, Cesar Azpilicueta would have been by far their longest-serving player, but since he left, it's Reece James.
The right-back missed most of the early part of the season through injury, and since making his debut in 2019 has made 153 appearances for the club. He was given the captain's armband this year by new manager Mauricio Pochetino.
Crystal Palace – Joel Ward
May 2012-present
Crystal Palace fan favourite Ward joined the club from Portsmouth in a £400,000 deal in 2012 and helped them earn promotion via the 2013 Championship play-off final.
The defender has since become a consistent performer at Selhurst Park and is now the second-highest Premier League appearance-maker in the club’s history. £400,000 was a bargain for the player he has become.
Everton – Seamus Coleman
January 2009-present
By far the longest-serving player on this list, Everton's Seamus Coleman has been ever-present at the club. Coleman was even considered one of the best right-backs in the league, as he formed a formidable full-back pairing with the now-retired Leighton Baines.
He joined the club for a mere £60,000 in January 2009, proving an exceptional bargain. Serving as a defensive linchpin for over a decade, the right-back celebrated surpassing the 400-appearance milestone during the 2022/23 season.
Expressing his commitment, he said “I’m keen to continue helping my teammates in any way I can, while passing on my experience to the younger lads and contributing on the pitch as much as possible.”
This dedication was underscored when he inked a one-year contract extension in 2023, signalling his continued impact on and off the pitch for Everton.
Fulham – Tom Cairney
July 2015-present
Fulham captain Tom Cairney has well and truly made Craven Cottage his home. He was an exciting prospect at Blackburn before the West London club snapped him up in July 2015 for a fee reported to be around £3.5 million.
He has since made 283 appearances for the club, helping them to three separate promotions to the Premier League, and has stuck by them each time they've been relegated. Fulham are now once again established in the top flight, and so is Tom Cairney.
