The Ins and Outs of the 2020 Transfer Window Return Date

According to French publication RMC Sport, FIFA are set to announce the official dates of this summer's transfer window.

As per the above outlet, transfer windows in national divisions can open up to four weeks before the end of the 2019/20 season, but any player signed during this time will not be eligible to play for their new club until the 2020/21 campaign.

Although most clubs across Europe still have around ten games each to play, this potentially means that the window will open up earlier for some, than others. For example, due to the cancellation of Ligue 1, French clubs can actively sign players from their own league right now, as their transfer window is officially active.

So, what does this mean for Premier League clubs?

As things stand, the final day of the season has a provisional date of Sunday July 26.

If we were to apply RMC's reported framework to this date, this means that the transfer window could potentially be open for PL clubs by June 28; cue the rumours and speculation.

This would allow teams four weeks to work on deals whilst the current season is played out and a deadline date would have to be decided at the discretion of the FA.

Rumours have circulated that the 2020/21 season would have to be started in the first week of September at the very latest, leaving just four weeks between the end of the current campaign and the next one.

To allow appropriate planning and preparation, it would seem most plausible that the FA allow this summer's transfer window to open at the earliest possible date.

When loan deals were organised last year, clubs will have agreed upon an expiry date of June 30. In an ordinary season, this would allow such players to see out a full campaign with their temporary side, before returning to their parent club for the summer.

Due to the extension of the current campaign, the league has allowed clubs to come to an agreement in extending loanees. The decision, however, simply lies with the parent club, who must make a decision up to two days before the loan deal expires.

Whilst negotiations on paper will be straightforward to extend such deals, we have seen a recent complication in the shape of Dean Henderson. The Englishman has kept ten league clean sheets so far this season, helping push Sheffield United into contention for Champions League qualification.

Now, Manchester United reportedly see the Blades as a threat to this, creating a dilemma with Henderson's deal. The Red Devils may decide to bring the goalkeeper back to the club and weaken Chris Wilder's side - as the current loan expires on June 30, they have no obligation to extend just because the season has been prolonged.