EFL summer transfer deadline pushed back
EFL clubs have agreed in principle to push the summer transfer deadline back to the end of August.
The decision, which will bring Championship clubs into line with League One, League Two and Premier League clubs, will be subject to a process to formally adopt the change into EFL regulations.
That process will begin in due course, and would mean the deadline for all EFL transfer activity this summer being September 1, with August 31 a Bank Holiday.
An EFL statement read: “EFL clubs have today reached an agreement in principle to amend the deadline of the summer transfer window to the traditional closing date at the end of August.
“A process for formally adopting the change into EFL regulations will now take place in due course, bringing Championship clubs in line with the current position for League One and League Two.”
English top-flight clubs voted on February 6 at their shareholders’ meeting to push the deadline back, overturning a decision made in 2017 to bring the deadline forward to before the start of the domestic season.
The 2017 system was adopted for the last two summers but, after other European countries chose not to follow suit, it has been changed again.
It was felt that European clubs were then at an advantage, as they could still sign Premier League players but no replacements could be bought.
That decision in early February left the Championship out on a limb, with League One and Two clubs already trading until the end of August.
■ The Premier League has revealed plans to launch its official Hall of Fame, with the first two players to be inducted next month.
The Hall of Fame will recognise and celebrate the exceptional skill and talent of those who have graced the Premier League since its inception in 1992.
Candidates must have retired and only a player’s Premier League career is considered.
The first two inductees will be announced at a special event on
March 19 alongside a shortlist of additional nominees which fans will be able to vote for for future inclusion.
“Since 1992, the Premier League has been home to world-class players who have defined generations and provided us with compelling football season after season,” said Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.
“A place in the Premier League Hall of Fame is reserved for the very best. It will be an occasion for our fans around the world to look back over the years and help us celebrate some truly exceptional playing careers.”
Each inductee will receive a personalised medallion, engraved with the year of their induction.