Transfer deadline will be brought FORWARD as Premier League and EFL agree on new time to help staff involved in last-ditch dealings

• The shift from 11pm has happened with Premier League and EFL backing 
• But officials at some clubs believe the change could lead to several issues 
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By MIKE KEEGAN

The transfer deadline is moving forward to 7pm.

Mail Sport can reveal that, for the forthcoming double summer window, clubs have been informed that the deadline will be four hours earlier than normal.

FA insiders say that the shift – from 11pm – has happened with the backing of the Premier League and EFL and is aimed at ensuring a more normal working pattern for those involved. 

Those who work on the admin side at clubs and at the leagues can often end up at their desks beyond midnight.

However, officials at some clubs believe that the move could cause a myriad of problems – not least by potentially allowing those in other leagues to carry on trading after the window in England has slammed shut.

There is also a view that, while in a perfect world, business would have been conducted well before the final hours of the window, the reality is that every hour is precious as clubs scramble to get last-minute deals done. 

The transfer deadline will be brought forward for this summer’s double window (pictured: Tottenham moved to sign forward Mathys Tel on loan during the final hours in January)

The shift is aimed at allowing a more normal working pattern for staff involved on the day

But officials at some clubs believe that the move could cause a myriad of problems

By bringing the cut-off forward, some argue that officials are effectively robbing vital time from those who need to make the most business. This summer there will be two windows, thanks to FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup. 

The first will run from June 1 to June 10. The second will start on June 16 and end on September 1. The longer-than-usual window is also thought to have come into the reasoning. In the winter, the window will open from January 1 to February 2. 

No decision on closing time has yet been made, according to those with knowledge of the situation. Clubs usually have a two-hour period after the cut-off point to complete deals, but paperwork will need to be submitted to the FA by 7pm.

For the signings of players from abroad, the above will still apply, although clubs will then have until midnight to comply with separate FIFA requirements. 

Some leagues in Europe are also considering an earlier finish.

In March, Mail Sport revealed that Premier League clubs were seeking permission to allow their youngsters to move on loan to clubs in the three divisions below outside of transfer windows. Discussions on that prospect are thought to be ongoing.

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Transfer deadline will be brought FORWARD as Premier League and EFL agree on new time to help staff involved in last-ditch dealings

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