Really interesting read on what a big benefit the shift will be for MLS when it comes to the transfer window.
The basic problem (currently) is that because the MLS window closes early teams are able to sell players in the summer to bigger clubs but not replace them by the end of the window. Shifting the calendar solves this and will ideally allow clubs to make more impactful signings.
MLS club officials agree that calendar shift will boost power in transfer windowsQuote:
With the change, the league will now align transfer windows with the top leagues in the world. Instead of MLS's summer transfer window closing weeks before Europe's, it will stay open slightly after Europe's close, giving teams more opportunity at the end of the window. Those key summer signings will have a whole year to make an impact, rather than a handful of games as it is now.
"To me, this change is more important than pro/rel," former Orlando City CSO Luiz Muzzi said. "We've faced many situations where we had offers for players in the summer but could not sell because of sporting goals. It is also super important for signing players."
One other interesting note that totally makes sense, wasn't aware of the window differences in Turkey, Greece, and Saudi Arabia:
Quote:
In addition to the windows aligning in general, MLS plans to have its summer window remain open a bit beyond when the top European leagues close theirs. This can put the league in an advantageous position when it comes to players whose potential moves to, say, the Premier League never come to fruition.
"Instead of going to Turkey or Greece, those players will come to us," one club official said.
Turkey and Greece also have transfer windows that extend beyond the Premier League's. Saudi Arabia does as well.
