Premier League clubs have reportedly agreed to change the end date of the summer transfer window. The most recent trading period ended on August 30, more than two weeks into the start of the new season.
However, it's suggested that this won't be the case in less than a year's time. The Times reports that all 20 top-flight teams have agreed to close next summer's window on August 15, before the kick-off of the 2025/2026 season.
This means late summer deals involving Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah and Scott McTominay wouldn't have happened if they were set for 2025. This proposed adjustment seems logical, as teams will no longer be able to tweak their squads after their first two or three games.
However, deadline day might be less thrilling with many clubs possibly content with their squad's composition, something that could drastically change within a fortnight. In 2018, this modification was introduced but quickly reversed 18 months later as Premier League clubs felt exposed to last-minute swoops from European teams.
While another about-face has been made, at least this time it's claimed that the lingering fear isn't as significant. The expectation is that top European leagues will follow suit, but it's highly unlikely officials in Saudi Arabia make any changes with their summer window already closing days after the deadline in England and most of the major European leagues, too.
Chelsea have been among the beneficiaries of the Saudi Pro League's rise, offloading several fringe players. However, there are legitimate worries that Middle Eastern clubs could swoop for Premier League stars like Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Alisson.
If these players were to leave, their clubs would be left in a lurch with no opportunity to find replacements. The decision to alter this arrangement will likely surprise many, given that the last five years have shown that closing the summer window at the end of August has worked seamlessly.
