The Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc with the sporting calendar, and that means that the world governing body of football could be about to react. The European season is going to finish at least two months later than initially thought, which means there is a possibility that football could still be being played while the transfer window is open.
Not only that, but many players contracts will run out on the 1st June, which means the laws are needing to be adjusted so that clubs can keep hold of these players until the end of the season. Some players have already admitted that they are happy to continue playing for their respective clubs for free beyond the expiration of their contract, while others may take some persuading. The same also goes for loans, with typical loans expected to expire in June too.
Rule Changes Regarding Summer Transfers
Most of the issues that could come up during this time can be resolved within the club. With Manchester United already having agreed on an extended loan for Odion Igahlo. However, FIFA are likely to have their say on the summer transfer window over the coming weeks, with the window likely to open later than it typically does. The summer window is scheduled to open on the 10th June at present, but with the European season not likely to conclude until the 30th June at the earliest, the opening of the window will likely be pushed back until the beginning of July.
This could lead to problems for the Premier League, who have closed the English transfer window before the start of the season in each of the last two campaigns. However, clubs’ have already pleaded with the FA to allow the transfer window to stay open until the end of August, which would mean switching back to the window dates that are used throughout the remainder of Europe. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it is hugely likely that the transfer window in England will be closing on the 31st August this year.
Big Summer Transfers Already Lined Up
This summer could be one of the biggest in recent years with a host of huge transfers being lined up already. Manchester United are set to break their transfer record to bring in Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, while Philippe Coutinho looks set to move back to the Premier League, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur both chasing his signature. Manchester City will be spending big money as they look to reclaim their Premier League title, while huge sums will also be thrown around across Europe.
Neymar will be another player that could be on the move, with Barcelona chasing the Brazilian. Meanwhile, Paul Pogba will be attracting interest from Real Madrid and Juventus, with any chance of a deal likely hinging on whether one of the two clubs will be able to find the money that Manchester United will be expecting for the World Cup winner. It promises to be an eventful summer of transfers, and it could be a record-breaking window.
