Klopp calls on Prem to change transfer window

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Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp is the latest manager to call on the Premier League to re-align its summer transfer window with the rest of Europe.

While clubs on the continent can still recruit players until Sept. 2, the deadline for incoming business in England’s top two divisions was Aug. 8, with the exception of free agents.

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The earlier close of trade is in its second season following a vote from executives of the 20 Premier League sides in 2017 to conclude signings before the start of a campaign in an effort to cause less disruption.

With La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 not following suit, Klopp believes it “makes no sense” for England’s top-flight to stick to that decision, which 14 clubs — including Liverpool — backed.

“I don’t care when it closes, but it must close at the same time,” the Liverpool boss said of the transfer window at a news conference on Friday.

“That was the idea in the first place. They spoke about finishing it before the season starts — good idea — but then only England did it. That makes no sense.

“Can somebody explain what is the benefit for the Premier League? We don’t really have a problem, but for other teams, their key players are still on the market and everything can happen.

“You want a team together and focused on the future, but that cannot happen when there is a door open. I don’t understand why this decision is not already reviewed at least. It was a good idea but it didn’t work out.”

Klopp’s sentiments echo that of Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who said Spurs are “vulnerable” to losing star talent to European powerhouses.

The north Londoners have a batch of players in the final year of their contracts — notably Christian Eriksen who is of interest to Real Madrid — and the Argentine hopes there will be uniformity again.

“For me, it’s not common sense and we need to go back quick,” Pochettino said on Sunday.

“I hope they have a good conversation at the Premier League and go back quickly.”

Tottenham were also one of the clubs who voted in favour of the earlier close of the window two years ago, with one abstention, while Manchester City, Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Watford and Swansea City were opposed to the change.