The timing and length of the transfer window is "expected to return to the agenda" at the Premier League’s annual meeting in June "even though the clubs only agreed to close this summer’s window early last September," according to Matt Hughes of the LONDON TIMES. The motion to shut the window before the start of next season, on Thursday, Aug. 9, was carried by 14 votes to five, with Burnley abstaining, but those clubs which voted against "remain adamant that they will be at a competitive disadvantage compared to their European rivals and will push for the old system" of an Aug. 31 deadline to be reinstated for the '19-20 season. Most clubs are "likely to see how this summer pans out before committing either way." Another argument being used by some clubs is that the principle of preserving the integrity of the competition by closing the window early is "incompatible" with having a 31-day window in January, which many find "hugely disruptive." As a result, there have been informal discussions about restricting the January window to one week for emergency signings, "an idea that may also be discussed at the next annual meeting" (LONDON TIMES, 1/19).
