Telegraph exclusive: Premier League considering shortening transfer window, will vote next week

According to an exclusive report by Daily Telegraph reporter Sam Wallace, Premier League clubs are considering shortening the current transfer window. Their plan is to shorten the winter window to two weeks and close the summer window before the start of the new season.

The proposal has been discussed since the winter transfer window closed on February 3 this year, aiming to minimize disruption to coaches and teams after the start of the season. The sporting directors of the 20 Premier League clubs also held a meeting on this topic on Thursday local time, focusing on the integrity of the game and the possible impact of frequent player movements during the season.

The Premier League tried to close the summer transfer window early in 2018 and 2019, but eventually canceled it because other European leagues did not follow suit. Industry insiders believe that this move may weaken the competitiveness of Premier League clubs, because shortening the transaction window means more limited operating time and less room for bargaining.

Premier League club shareholders' meetings will be held next week, when team owners, CEOs and other key figures will vote to decide when the transfer window will close. They may also coordinate with other top European leagues on the closing time of the summer window, but the final decision will still be made by each country.