Premier League transfer window could shut before season starts next summer as clubs push for change

Premier League clubs are expected to vote on bringing forward the August transfer deadline at a shareholders’ meeting in London on September 7.

A proposal to shut the window before the season starts was discussed in depth at a managers’ meeting last week, chaired by the League’s chief executive Richard Scudamore.

It is understood that the vast majority of clubs want a deadline in the week prior to the opening weekend, aiming to prevent the kind of protracted transfer sagas that have complicated the preparations of many teams.

To succeed, the motion requires 14 out of 20 clubs to vote in favour. Under the new rules, clubs would still be allowed to sell players overseas before the wider transfer deadline of August 31. The January window would remain unaffected.

​The Premier League is ready to act unilaterally and does not require approval from Uefa or leagues in other countries. Assuming the vote is passed, the new system could come into effect in time for the 2018-19 season.