13 Oct 2019 10:40:33
Hi Ed's, first time poster after many years of being addicted to this brilliant website!
I've tried searching but if possible could you please give a brief history of how the current transfer windows came about, and also if you think it could ever change again?
Obviously there is a premier league meeting around the corner relating to the timing of the current summer window, but would having something like one window (for all European countries) that maybe runs after the season ends until say 31st January be more beneficial for both clubs and players?

Thanks
RR79.

{Ed002's Note - In 2017 the Premier League proposed the change in response to many coaches having complained that they were unhappy with the then transfer window and wanted the clubs to complete purchases by the time the season starts. As the window has to be open for 90 days, the start had to therefore move back as well. Manchester City, Manchester United, Swansea, Watford and Crystal Palace voted against the proposal although the coaches of the first three of those sides were in support. Burnley abstained from voting. There was a naive view that all European sides would follow suit but they laughed it off when proposed. The European sides have no intention of changing.}

13 Oct 2019 12:18:25
Is it not a lot of noise over nothing? on the homefront coaches now know what their squad'll be going into the season while the wealth of the English clubs means that even if theirs talk of a player leaving to a foreign side after the domestic window closes (like Eriksen and Pogba to Madrid this summer) the clubs in England don't need the money and can just say to the player that he's staying. i think the players know that aswell at this stage.

{Ed025's Note - you are very naive if you think clubs dont need the money jadon, even the big hitters cant afford to let players stew mate..

13 Oct 2019 12:51:26
Im more saying Ed that once the Premier League starts that's it. that's their squad for the season and if a foreign club really wanted one of their players they should have sorted it out before the closing date of our window.

{Ed025's Note - oh ok mate..

13 Oct 2019 13:30:33
I think the big problem for the premier is we start are league to soon yet finish before most other countries leagues. I think the size of the championship and league 1-2 means they have to start then to get 46 games in and the carabao cup starts so early. End of the season Liverpool and spurs had about a 3 week wait for the champions league final yet after a World Cup the players where back in no time. So I do think starting all major leagues the same weekend would be a lot better to help this problem.

14 Oct 2019 00:31:08
Thanks Ed.
Apologies but I should have added, how and why did the two transfer windows ever begin?

{Ed002's Note - Originally they were proposed around 1990 and a number of European countries started using them. About 2000 FIFA were approached by the European Union to make the windows compulsory and it was agreed and began the following year. The rationale behind the original plan was to avoid disruption to clubs throughout the season with players coming and going.}