Sunderland braced for a delay in recruitment plans with sweeping transfer window changes discussed

While the League One season is widely expected to be curtailed today, the Black Cats could be forced to wait before they dip into the market as the FA discuss some key changes in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

We take a look at the changes being proposed by the FA, and the effect they could have on Sunderland and their League One rivals:

WHAT CHANGES ARE BEING PROPOSED?

The FA are considering moving the traditional transfer window period, to better reflect the gap between the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons.

Under current plans, the transfer window is set to open on June 18 – at which point the Premier League and Championship seasons will only just be resuming.

That planned date is expected to be shelved in England and across other European nations – with a new-look window set to run from August until October.

According to Sky Sports, there is a general consensus among European associations that this summer’s transfer window will end on Friday, October 2.

WHY ARE THESE CHANGES BEING PROPOSED?

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, a host of seasons across Europe have been pushed back and will finish far later than originally planned. In turn, that means the 2020/21 season will begin later.

These changes are being proposed to allow clubs to finish the current season before turning their attentions to the transfer market.

WHAT HAVE OTHER COUNTRIES DONE?

In France, where Ligue 1 has already been curtailed, the transfer window has already opened – but they are reportedly considering a second window, which will run from August to October, in order to facilitate international transfers.

Meanwhile in Italy, it has already been confirmed that their transfer window will run from September 1 to October 5.

HOW COULD THE CHANGES AFFECT SUNDERLAND?

Firstly, it’s important to note that while League One is expected to be curtailed, these changes would be sweeping across the Premier League and EFL – meaning that Sunderland would also have to abide by these new windows, even if they don’t finish their season.

But the impact on the Black Cats would be minimal, and it would simply be a case of putting their recruitment drive on hold for a few weeks.

In essence, Phil Parkinson would have to wait until August to conclude any incoming deals, rather than June under the current plans.

That won’t stop talks taking place and agreements being made, but transfers would not officially be sanctioned until such a point as the window opens.

WHEN WILL WE KNOW MORE?

It’s important to note that these changes haven’t been approved just yet.

FIFA are set to provide a framework to all member associations on the summer transfer window in the coming weeks, with individual associations then allowed to make the final decision.

We should have some clarity on when the window will open and close by June 18 – when it was initially supposed to open.