Talks to shut window early

Premier League clubs will discuss closing the summer transfer window this year on Aug 14, two days before the start of the 2025-2026 season, when they meet on Thursday. It was a measure introduced in past years and then abandoned.

The proposal is scheduled to go to a vote which would require a super-majority of 14 to pass, but if preliminary discussions between owners and chief executives suggest there is little support, it is likely to be stopped pre-vote.

The idea was formulated early last month at a meeting of sporting directors from the 20 clubs, and those in similar roles, who feel it would be better for managers to have their squad in place before the season begins.

But there are problems persuading European leagues to fall in line and many Premier League owners and executives feel shutting the window earlier would put them at a disadvantage in negotiations.