Premier League clubs remain divided on whether to close the summer transfer window before the start of next season and restrict the January window to just two weeks going forward. The proposals for shortened summer and winter windows were raised by clubs at a shareholders' meeting in early February but no decision has yet been made on whether they will be put to a formal vote.
The summer window has run until the end of August since 2019, while this January's window extended from the start of the year until February 3. Proponents of the changes want to minimise disruption to clubs once the season is underway. If clubs determine that the summer window should continue to run until the end of August, the Premier League may be forced to briefly close it midway through to comply with FIFA regulations.
The world governing body has announced plans to open an interim transfer window - from June 1 - for clubs competing in the new Club World Cup, including Chelsea and Manchester City, to add to their squads before the tournament begins on June 14. Last summer, the Premier League's transfer window opened on June 14 and closed on August 30, but the top-flight is ready to allow all 20 clubs to participate in FIFA's interim window to ensure no competitive advantage for Chelsea and City - a provision which is also set to be extended to the EFL.
Under FIFA regulations, however, transfer windows cannot run for more than 89 days, so the top-flight will not be able to allow clubs to trade for the entirely of the summer. There are 91 days between June 1 and August 31, so the prospect of a 48-hour closure is possible or the window could close on Friday, August 29. If clubs vote to close the summer window early, there will be no issue with the early opening.
