Three Premier League clubs against new transfer window plans

Rob McCarthy

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has revealed that 17 of the 20 Premier League clubs “were broadly in favour” of closing the transfer window early when it was first spoken about.

Proposals have been made to shut the summer window before the start of the season in future campaigns, avoiding the problems that arises when clubs can still sign players after a number of matches have already been played.

This season there will have been three games before the window is closed on August 31, giving clubs a final chance to assess their squads in action and then make necessary changes.

But Brady claims that all but three clubs have stated their preference to close the window before a ball is kicked, and a vote will be held on September 7 on the matter.

The vote would need 70% backing to go through, and Brady suggests that is a reachable.

“We’d started debating this around March 2017 at the Premier League and 17 clubs were broadly in favour of the window being closed,” she told Sky Sports.

“I think the main issue is that it protects the integrity of the squad, you know where you are, you have to get on with it and the players know that.

“It’s mainly for the club, fans and manager to know: this is who we’ve got, this is the squad, these are the numbers, on we go.

“I think in reality you already know what positions you need, how you’re going to spend [early on] and there’s also the January window.

“I think to close the window early, for the integrity of the league, is the right decision.”