Everton

Leighton Baines: 'Transfer window doesn't help anybody in football'

By Stephen Topping, Reporter | 08 September 2015

Everton left-back Leighton Baines suggests that the transfer window is detrimental to football, causing disruption to players such as Toffees defender John Stones.

Everton defender Leighton Baines has suggested that the transfer window is detrimental to football, causing disruption for clubs and players.

The 30-year-old has echoed comments made last month by Everton manager Roberto Martinez, who argued that the window is "unfair" following Chelsea's high-profile pursuit of defender John Stones.

"The manager's touched on it a few times that the window shouldn't be open and I think pretty much everyone in football would agree with that," Baines told the Liverpool Echo.

"It's just a source of entertainment for people on the outside now and it doesn't help anybody in the game. We've seen it first-hand with John and we're just glad the club took the stance they did and we've been able to keep him.

"It has been relentless, particularly for John. Seeing him first-hand on a daily basis, it's been difficult for him to deal with. He's still a young lad. It's dragged on for such a long time and he'll be happy now to see the end of it."

Baines has made 262 Premier League appearances for the Toffees, scoring 23 goals.