Key dates and everything you need to know

The January transfer window is fast approaching and offers clubs their next opportunity to strengthen their squads.

After the summer window, attention now turns to the mid-season market, with those chasing silverware looking to strengthen their bids and those left behind looking to bridge the gap.

Although the summer saw some big money moves, the Premier League’s spending saw a marked decline compared to previous years.

Until January, the only way clubs can bring in new talent is by signing free agents. But soon, scouts and athletic directors will be ready to dive back into the market.

Here’s everything you need to know about the January transfer window, including key dates from Europe’s top leagues.

When does the January transfer window open?

Ange Postecoglou has admitted Tottenham Hotspur “need to strengthen” their squad in the January transfer window.#THFC

More than @jaydmharris ⬇️

— Atlético | Soccer (@TheAthleticFC) December 24, 2024

For Premier League and English Football League clubs, the January 2025 transfer window officially opens on New Year’s Day, which falls on Wednesday.

Several other major leagues also start their winter window on January 1, including the Scottish Premiership, France’s Ligue 1, Germany’s Bundesliga and the Saudi Pro League.

However, Spain’s Liga and Italy’s Serie A begin their winter business a day later, on January 2.

Other leagues have even later opening dates, with Belgium on January 7 and Turkey on January 13.

Meanwhile, five European countries – Albania, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece and Kosovo – will have a window that will last the whole month of January, opening on January 1 and closing on January 31.

In the United States, the Major League Soccer transfer window begins on January 31. Unlike Europe, this serves as the league’s main transfer window, until April 23, as the MLS season runs during the summer.

When does the January transfer window close?

🚨🚨🌕| Sir Jim Ratcliffe is non-committal about the January budget, but PSR rules limit what the club can do.

There are also questions about the amount of cash available, with several sources expecting a very quiet winter window.

(@TheAthleticFC) pic.twitter.com/ZuOBzSQp2G

– downtown devils. (@centredevils) December 24, 2024

Although opening dates vary between leagues, most of Europe’s top 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 3 February.

Interestingly, the Saudi Pro League, which extended the summer transfer window well beyond the European one, will close its winter window earlier, on January 30.

Turkey, 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 chance to sell players after their windows close.

Winter transfer windows in February and beyond

Eddie Howe expects Newcastle to have a quiet transfer window in January 💼 pic.twitter.com/1zLLGcwUWE

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 23, 2024

In some countries, the winter transfer period extends into the month of February, or even later.

Russia operates from January 23rd to February 20th, while Poland is from January 23rd to February 22nd.

The Czech Republic closely mirrors Poland between January 26th and February 22nd, and Ukraine will operate between January 27th and March 11th.

These extended windows allow clubs in these nations more time to make mid-season changes to their squads.

Can players be signed after the transfer deadline?

For Premier League clubs, they can only add players who are free agents and have room in their 25-man squad.

This means there is usually little or no movement when the window closes, with only a four month wait until the window opens again.

Premier League clubs can release players at any time, but the usual rule is that they cannot sign for another club outside the market.