The Premier League has voted to close the transfer window a day before the season starts for the second year running. Watford were among only 5 clubs that didn't want this early closure. https://www.skysports.com/football/...fer-window-to-close-a-day-before-new-campaign
It says Watford were against it last year. Nothing about this year, though I doubt our stance has changed. Rumour has it the other big European leagues intend to fall into line. Guess we'll have to wait and see.
I have no issue with he transfer window closing before the start of the season. It actually makes sense. But the European leagues need to close at the same time, otherwise it puts UK teams at a disadvantage in the player market.
Italy were the only other major league to close before their season started, however their league started a week after ours. I suppose it would be possible to also start a week later and squeeze in an additional midweek fixture somewhere.
What negative effect did it have on clubs this season? There was panic teams would lose top players and not be able to replace them, but to my mind that didn’t happen.
Agreed. I am a big fan of this change. I used to hate it when the team that started the season had to be changed 3 games later because of departures. Remember the season we knew we were losing Tommy Smith? He was brilliant in the first couple of games, got us an away win (at Forest?) then left a big gap in the squad when he went to Portsmouth.
