LONDON — Mauricio Pochettino has said the shortened summer transfer window will be a “a massive advantage” to Tottenham’s hopes of making a fast start to next season and challenging for the Premier League title.
Last year, Spurs were among the 14 Premier League clubs to vote in favour of closing the transfer window before the start of the domestic season, and this summer, clubs will have until Aug. 9 to complete their business — two days before the new campaign begins.
Spurs have traditionally left their business late, and last summer, all five signings joined in the final week of the window — contributing to another sluggish start to the season and leaving Pochettino’s side playing catch-up again.
Pochettino has said Spurs must make a fast start if they are to beat new champions Manchester City to next season’s league title and, while he suggested the club would continue to leave their business late, the manager hopes the shorter window will ensure his team can hit the ground running.
“It’s a massive advantage for us for [the transfer window] to finish before the start of the season,” Pochettino said ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Brighton on Tuesday. “For us, it’s massive. It’s fantastic because now it’s before the start of the season — not one month later. Of course, for many clubs, it will not change too much, but for us, it is going to change a lot. We’re going to have the squad ready before the start of the season. If we want new players, they need to arrive before the start of the season.
“They’re going to have more time to adapt before the start of the season and help the team. You’re going to win an extra month with them and it’s massive. We don’t need to wait for anything. You need today — or yesterday — to start to work to try to sign players. It’s going to be very helpful for Tottenham.”
Spurs will announce their fixtures for a second consecutive preseason trip the United States on Tuesday, with the club scheduled to play in the International Champions Cup in late July again.
Their first friendly is expected to be within two weeks of the World Cup final on July 15, further complicating the club’s summer transfer plans.
Pochettino said another trip to the U.S. will help this side make the fast start he wants.
“All the big clubs are doing the tour in America, China, Asia or Australia,” Pochettino said. “It’s no different from another club. I was talking about preparing the team better and to be ready to compete from day one of the competition. That is the most important thing.”
Dan is ESPN FC’s Tottenham correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @Dan_KP.
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