Premier League clubs to discuss early closure of summer transfer window

Premier League clubs will meet on Thursday to discuss closing the summer transfer window on August 14, 2025 – two days before the start of the 2025-26 season, according to The Telegraph.

This measure, previously implemented in 2018 and 2019 before being abandoned, is back on the agenda.

The proposal is set to go to a vote and would require a super-majority of 14 clubs to pass.

However, if preliminary discussions among club owners and chief executives suggest a lack of support, it may be dismissed before reaching the voting stage.

The idea originated in early February during a meeting of sporting directors from all 20 Premier League clubs.

Many believe closing the window before the season begins would benefit managers by ensuring squad stability.

However, concerns remain over whether other European leagues – and particularly the Saudi Pro League – would follow suit.

Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran completed a £64m move to Saudi Arabia in January

Saudi clubs have emerged as major financial players, spending £119million in the last January window alone, and they are expected to continue competing with Premier League clubs for top talent.

Some Premier League executives fear an early window closure would weaken their negotiating position.

Last month, the Premier League sporting directors had also proposed shortening the January transfer window to two weeks to reduce mid-season disruption as per The Telegraph.

While the early closure would prevent clubs from losing players after the season begins, some remain wary after previous attempts in 2018 and 2019 proved disadvantageous.

The top-flight reverted to its traditional deadline following the Covid-disrupted 2020 season, and the debate over the best approach continues.