UEFA backing Premier League transfer window plans

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has confirmed in an email to ‘The Times’ that he supports a move to shut the transfer window before the start of the next domestic campaign.

Club officials will vote this week on the possibility of closing the summer transfer window early, a drastic move that would leave England’s top flight out of line with standard FIFA dates.

It is understood that the majority of the 20 clubs are keen to back the idea, with Watford believed to be one of the few to oppose the plan.

In his email, Cefrin wrote: “I am aware there are serious discussions around Europe regarding the shortening of the summer transfer window and we are following them closely.

“In my view, it is not good when footballers play for one club when the league starts and another club when the transfer window closes.

“There is a lot of uncertainty for a long time. Therefore I would say that the window might be too long and I would support it being shorter.”

For the new rule to be introduced, at least 14 clubs must agree to the proposal.

Shaun Harvey, Chief Executive of English Football League, also told ‘The Times’:

“The one thing our member clubs have said is they do want stability in terms of the players that are available to them from the start of the season.

“Shutting the transfer window before the season starts has always found favour with our clubs. It would make sense for the dates to be aligned with the Premier League and any unintended consequences need to be thought through.

“This will be on the agenda for our club meeting on September 21.”