West Ham United vice-Chairman Karen Brady has revealed that 17 of the 20 Premier League clubs from last season were ‘broadly in favour’ of closing the summer transfer window before the season begins in August.
After much discussion over the issue in recent weeks, a vote on the matter is expected by Premier League clubs in a meeting on September 7th. In order for such a motion to be passed, it would require the backing of 70 percent of top flight clubs.
Brady – who has been heavily involved in discussions – believes there is more than enough support to make it happen.
“We’d started debating this around March 2017 at the Premier League and 17 clubs were broadly in favour of the window being closed,” Brady said speaking on Sky Sports (via the Evening Standard).
“I think the main issue is that it protects the integrity of the squad, you know where you are, you have to get on with it and the players know that.
“It’s mainly for the club, fans and manager to know: this is who we’ve got, this is the squad, these are the numbers, on we go.”
The topic has caused debate across the country, with many believing that should the window shut before the season starts, it would limit Premier League club’s ability to bring in the world’s biggest stars.
The agreement, if passed, would however mean Premier League sides are still able to sell players to other European countries before the continent wide window shuts on August 31st. This again has caused controversy, with many feeling it would have an adverse effect on the quality of players playing in England’s top division.
Brady however, believes despite the issues, it is the right decision.
“I think to close the window early, for the integrity of the league, is the right decision.”
