Tottenham avoid a Coutinho-style situation with Eriksen but Pochettino’s transfer window comments are spot on

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The European transfer window is now shut, meaning English clubs can breathe again. With the English window closed but the European window open, there is a lingering concern that your best players could be poached without the opportunity to replace them.

This was the case for Tottenham Hotspur this summer. Christian Eriksen was strongly linked with a move away from Spurs but Mauricio Pochettino would not have been able to sign a replacement.

As things happened, Tottenham stood firm and did not sell Eriksen. But Pochettino’s comments continue to resonate with many English clubs and the Spurs manager must be listened to.

Pochettino on the transfer window

Speaking to Sky Sports, Pochettino said: “I wasn’t in agreement [with the decision] but at that moment they believed that was best for the clubs. But I think he [Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy] and a lot of people now realise it was a massive mistake. I hope that we fix the problem for the next season.”

Pochettino has a point. Even though there were no major transfers from Premier League clubs to European clubs in the late summer, there needs to be a change in policy.

Tottenham avoided a Philippe Coutinho-style situation and the best example of a repeat came from their East London rivals. With Javier Hernandez in his final year, West Ham were pressured into selling the Mexican striker, leaving limited options in the striker department.

England must follow the rest of Europe

In theory, the transfer window closing before the season starts makes perfect sense. In practice, however, it does not work unless all of the other European leagues follow suit. By forcing Premier League clubs into an early window closure, English teams are being held to ransom by their European rivals.

Pochettino makes a strong and persuasive case for the Premier League to revert back to its old format. There have been increased calls for this and the Eriksen and Coutinho situations illustrate why this needs to be done before next summer.