The EFL have confirmed that the 72 league clubs have officially voted through proposals that will see the EFL transfer window close following the opening game of the 2018/19 League season.
News released via the EFL's official website - EFL.com confirms that consultation with clubs has been ongoing since last year and as a result of a vote, the window will now close for permanent transfers from another club on Thursday 9th August 2018 at 5pm, which is aligned with the decision the Premier League opted to take in September 2017.
In addition, EFL clubs will still be able to...
Sign players on Standard Loan up to the 31st August 2018
Sign players on Standard Loan up to 31st August 2018 with an option to agree a permanent transfer when the next window opens
Register players who ceased to be registered with a club during the period up until 31st August 2018
Transfer players OUT to a club in any League whose window is still open
The EFL was under no obligation to make any changes and the Board adopted a neutral position on the matter ensuring that clubs were provided with the appropriate information in order to fully consider the implications and come to a decision that benefitted their own individual transfer policies.
EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said: "After discussing the options throughout the course of the last few months, I’m pleased that the matter has been determined by clubs ahead of the start of next season.
"This new approach will give clubs and managers the stability they crave earlier in the season whilst also providing the flexibility to add to their squads after the traditional deadline until the end of the month if required."