The Premier League has announced it will have two transfer windows this summer to allow Manchester City and Chelsea to sign players before the Club World Cup.
The first window will run from 1 June to 10 June, then close for five days before reopening from 16 June to 1 September.
This summer marks the first expanded FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams in a format similar to the FIFA World Cup. Chelsea and Manchester City are the two Premier League clubs taking part in the tournament, which will be held in the United States from 15 June.
Why Two Transfer Windows?
FIFA rules state that a country’s transfer windows can only be open for 16 weeks in a calendar year. In Europe, four weeks are used for the winter window, leaving 12 weeks for summer.
FIFA has approved an additional transfer window from 1-10 June to allow Club World Cup teams to register new players before the tournament. There is also a second registration period from 27 June to 3 July for clubs to add players for the knockout stage.
Since Manchester City and Chelsea are in the competition, the Premier League adjusted its transfer schedule to ensure fairness for all clubs. However, to align with other European leagues, the English window will also close and reopen.
Potential Issues
One major issue is the timing of international matches.
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The Champions League final is set for 31 May, followed by Nations League and World Cup qualifiers between 6-10 June.
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Players may be negotiating transfers while preparing for crucial international games.
There are also questions about players whose contracts expire in June.
For example:
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Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) is expected to join Real Madrid, who are in the Club World Cup. If he moves before 30 June, he can play in the full tournament. If not, he would only be eligible for the knockout stage.
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Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) is in a similar situation. His contract expires 30 June, meaning he could play the group stage but not the knockout stage unless he signs a short-term extension.
FIFA has also changed its rules to allow clubs to sign players just for the Club World Cup, though it is unlikely that Manchester City or Chelsea would take that option.
With two transfer windows in place, Premier League clubs now have more flexibility ahead of a busy summer.
