The January transfer window is now open, giving teams their last chance to complete deals with other clubs.
After the summer window, the focus is firmly on the mid-season market, with silverware-chasing clubs looking to bolster their deals and lagging rivals late to close the gap.
While big money moves occurred before the start of the season, Premier League spending saw a notable decline compared to previous years.
Until January, the only way clubs were able to bring in new talent was through free agents. But scouts and sporting directors are now back in the market, with Manchester City making the most moves and spending the most money per week before the window closes.
The reigning champions, who have had their worst form under manager Pep Guardiola since early November, added Abdukodir Khusanov from the target for £33.5 million, their other defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for £29.6 million. books £59m.
With more major deals certain to be on the way, here’s everything you need to know about the January transfer window, including key dates in Europe’s top leagues.
When does the January transfer window close?
Although opening dates vary, most major European leagues close their January transfer windows on the same day.
For clubs in England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, the deadline to finalize deals is Monday February 3.
Interestingly, the Saudi Pro League, which extended its summer transfer deadline well beyond Europe’s, will close its winter window early on January 30.
“I’m a bit surprised Brighton are willing to drop him” 🤔
Would Evan Ferguson be a shrewd addition for a Premier League team? pic.twitter.com/oihygwhtnd
– Sky Sports Premier League (@skysportspl) January 27, 2025
Turkiye, however, will once again keep their transfer window open longer than most European leagues.
Turkish clubs will have until February 11 to complete their signings, giving teams in other leagues the opportunity to sell players after their own windows.
When is the transfer deadline in the January window?
The deadline is February 3, when the English and Scottish clubs must complete deals by 11 p.m. GMT.
A transaction sheet can also be used after 9pm on the day, giving clubs who confirm a deal is in place additional time to submit remaining documentation.
As long as the transaction sheet is fully completed, clubs can take until 1 a.m. to submit complete documents. International transfers must always meet the FIFA Transfer Matching System deadline of midnight.
Transfer season | Part 1: Diego Carlos pic.twitter.com/n3r0envcfp
– Fenerbahçe SK (@fenerbahce) January 27, 2025
When did the January transfer window open?
For clubs in the Premier League and English Football League, the January 2025 transfer window opened on New Year’s Day.
Several other major leagues also launched their winter windows on January 1, including the Scottish Premiership, France’s Ligue 1, Germany’s Bundesliga and the Saudi Pro League.
However, both the Spanish La Liga and the Italian Serie began their winter business a day later on January 2.
Other leagues had even opened the dates, with Belgium opening on January 7 and Turkey on January 13.
Meanwhile, five European countries – Albania, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece and Kosovo – have a window that lasts the full month of January, opening on January 1 and closing on January 31.
In the United States, the Major League Soccer Transfer Window starts January 31. Unlike Europe, this serves as the league’s main transfer window, running through April 23, since the MLS season operates during the summer.
Winter transfer windows in February and beyond
In some countries, the winter transfer window extends well into February, or even later.
Russia runs between January 23 and February 20, while Poland runs from January 23 to February 22.
Czech Republic closely mirrors Poland, taking place between January 26 and February 22, with Ukraine operating between January 27 and March 11.
These extended windows allow clubs in these countries additional time to make mid-season changes to their squads.
Can players be signed after the transfer deadline?
Premier League clubs can still announce signings, but these players will not be registered to play until the window reopens.
Clubs can only add players outside of transfer windows who are free agents and if they have room in their 25-man squad.
This means there is usually little or no movement when the window closes, with four months to wait for the window to reopen.
Players can be released by Premier League Clubs at any time, but the usual rule is that they cannot sign for another club outside the market.
