How the football transfer window works

Transfer rumours fly all year, but clubs can only actually complete deals at certain times. Here's how the transfer window works.

What a transfer window is

A transfer window is a fixed period when clubs are allowed to register new players. Outside these windows, with a few exceptions, you cannot bring a signed player into your squad. Each national federation sets its own exact dates within limits agreed by FIFA.

Two windows a season

There are normally two registration periods each season:

• A longer summer window, between seasons, when most business is done.
• A shorter mid-season (winter) window, typically in January, for clubs to strengthen or sell.

The main types of deal

• Permanent transfer — one club pays a fee to buy a player's registration outright.
• Loan — a player moves temporarily, usually for a season, often with the parent club still paying part of the wages.
• Free transfer — a player whose contract has expired can join a new club for no fee. Out-of-contract free agents can often be signed even outside the window.

Fees, wages and clauses

A transfer fee is paid between clubs for the player's registration; the player separately agrees personal terms (wages, contract length, bonuses). Many contracts include a release clause — a set fee that obliges the club to let the player talk to suitors — which is why some "untouchable" stars suddenly become available.

Deadline day

Each window ends on a fixed deadline day, and it's become an event of its own: a frantic final scramble of last-minute bids, medicals racing the clock and deals confirmed minutes before the cut-off. Miss the deadline, and you wait until the next window.

Why the system exists

Windows stop clubs from constantly reshaping their squads mid-competition, which keeps things fair and gives squads stability. For fans, they create two intense bursts of speculation, signings and drama every year.

Follow the latest moves and rumours in our transfers hub.

FAQ

Can a club sign a player outside the transfer window?

Generally no — new signings can only be registered while a window is open. The main exception is a free agent: a player without a contract can usually be signed at almost any time, subject to each league's registration deadlines. Some leagues also allow limited emergency measures, such as short-term goalkeeper cover, in exceptional circumstances.

When do transfer windows open and close?

Each national federation sets its own dates within FIFA's framework, so they vary by country. In most major European leagues the summer window runs from mid-June until around 1 September, while the mid-season window covers most of January.

Can a player refuse a transfer?

Yes. A move only happens if the buying club agrees a fee with the selling club and the player agrees personal terms, so a player can reject a transfer even after the clubs have shaken hands. Equally, a club can refuse to sell a player under contract unless a release clause is triggered.

What is a pre-contract agreement?

A player with six months or less remaining on their contract can agree a free transfer in advance with a club in another country, then move when the deal expires. This is often called a Bosman move, after the 1995 court ruling that established free agency in football.