Is the Premier League trying to dominate global soccer through the USA? | OneFootball

A small tweak of the calendar, and a titanic smoke signal hanging in the air of international soccer. The Premier League, with its gilded pen and arm that spreads across frontiers, has officially announced it will host an historic transfer window ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, which is scheduled to happen in the United States. In theory, it may be an aesthetic timetable tweak. In the real world, it reveals the strategic chess game playing method out of sight behind white lines. The June 1 to June 10 window, reopening June 16 to Sept. 1, flips everything around. And not just in England.

The domino effect that starts with a whisper

When England's soccer elite makes a move on the board, the rest of Europe takes notice. The choice the elite clubs made wasn't arbitrary, nor was it philanthropic. By slipping the window to coincide with the Club World Cup, the Premier League is putting pressure on other large leagues, with last-minute reshuffles and creating market activity when many clubs haven't yet ended their seasons. Blink, and you lose your man. Don't make plans, and you'll fall behind. The Club World Cup was a show and now the show has a date.

The new Club World Cup is a global platform, the spotlight beaming 24/7 and the fans cheering from the ends of the earth.

And if there is one thing that English clubs are better at, it's marketing an image. Chelsea and Manchester City… both are determined not only to win the title, but the symbolic capital that comes with it. A player who excels at the Club World Cup increases in value. Sponsorships grow. Brands spread. The calendar was constructed with this in mind, and the Premier League duly followed suit before anyone else — the game has officially changed address. A club's future financially starts with the right signing at the right time. The FA sells predictability, but buys a competitive edge If the official reason given by the Premier League is bureaucratic, what is really happening behind the scenes is far more cunning.

Raising the window is a tactical move that promises a sporting gain

Clubs participating in the Club World Cup can sign new players sooner, practice with complete squads, and even experiment with lineups during friendlies or preseason competitions in America. It's a golden teapot dip with a silver spoon. Other clubs in other nations are still mired in red tape and hung-up talks while English clubs will have already had their business done. By the time the tournament will have kicked off, a number of British clubs will have played together for nearly a month. Know what that is? A head start. Or, better still: a sprint. Now, because the window will re-open on June 16 once the early June break is over, the natural cycle is ruined. The holier-than-thou opening date no longer applies. The market opens sooner — with greater velocity, greater noise, greater contest.

Agents will scramble. Scouts will need to jet. Madhouse is now a part of the plan. And guess who feels comfortable with this cacophonous, high-pressure environment? English clubs, not just those traveling for the Club World Cup.