The Premier League is reportedly considering closing the summer transfer window before the beginning of the season and reducing the winter window to two weeks.
The primary element of the debate centres around how the movement of players during the season impacts the integrity of the game.
However, here’s a thought. Let’s scrap transfer windows. They were implemented for the right reasons but have not worked.
Transfer windows are an unnecessary distraction
The transfer windows were introduced to bring clarity to clubs across the football pyramid. It is theoretically a sound idea. In reality, they are a pain in the backside.
The windows have descended into maddening periods where ‘transfer gurus’ steal a living by posting endless nonsense on social media.
The current system encourages clubs to make panic signings designed to keep fans happy rather than with any semblance of long-term planning.
English football previously had a system where clubs could trade players without restriction until a March 31 transfer deadline.
This was effectively an ‘open market’ system. While clubs remained vulnerable to losing players, it also ensured they could do business when it suited them.
Transfer windows are a playground for agents – an opportunity for them to inflate fees, salaries and their commission.
Anyone who thinks transfer windows have resolved the issue of agents working behind the scenes during the rest of the year probably thinks the moon is made of cheese.
The previous system worked. Bring it back.
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