Premier League set to realign window

Premier League clubs are almost certain to vote this autumn to realign next summer’s transfer window with Europe.

At least three clubs who originally called for the window to close early two seasons ago are now demanding a rethink. England’s top tier will discuss the issue at the next meeting of club executives a week on Thursday, but a vote on arrangements for next summer may be postponed until November.

The 2019 summer window closed at 5pm on Aug 8, 3½ weeks before other major European leagues yesterday. In 2017, 14 clubs were in favour of bringing forward deadline day to one day before the start of the season. Manchester City, Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Watford and Swansea then voted against it, while Burnley abstained.

However, the number in favour of the current window fell last season, and is now estimated to be nine, with 11 against.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has been the most critical of the window, as it has reduced the club’s bargaining power in commanding fees for players such as Christian Eriksen, who appears to have his heart set on leaving the Premier League for La Liga.

“I think he [Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy] and a lot of people now realise it was a massive mistake,” Pochettino said. “I hope that we fix the problem for the next season. We need to go back and operate in the same way that they operate in Europe because I think it’s massive when you go to compete in the Europa League or Champions League.

“Champions League teams can create a problem for a team like us and it’s so clear that I cannot be happy as a coach that in the last three weeks clubs from Europe can unsettle your team.”

Leicester City also appear set to come out in favour of extending the deadline. Brendan Rodgers, their manager, said last week: “The problem is that if you ask yourself ‘are we at a disadvantage?’ then we are, of course. The window shuts at the beginning of the season and then you could still lose your top player to European football after that.

“So, I think Mauricio is absolutely right, I think it puts Premier League clubs at a disadvantage, but I still think it’s a good idea to shut it, but it would have to be aligned across Europe.”