The January transfer window is fast approaching, offering clubs their next chance to strengthen their squads.
After the summer window, attention now turns to the mid-season market, with those chasing the silverware looking to strengthen their offering and those lagging behind keen to close the gap.
Although there have been significant moves this summer, Premier League spending has seen a notable decline compared to previous years.
Until January, the only way for clubs to attract new talent is to sign free agents. But soon, recruiters 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 the key dates for Europe’s top leagues.
When does the January transfer window open?
Ange Postecoglou has admitted that Tottenham Hotspur “need to strengthen” their squad in the January transfer window.#THFC
More than @jaydmharris ⬇️
— Athletics | Football (@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 a Wednesday.
Several other major leagues will also begin their winter windows on January 1, including the Scottish Premiership, French Ligue 1, German Bundesliga and Saudi Pro League.
However, the Spanish La Liga and Italian Serie A start their winter activities a day later on January 2.
Other leagues have even later opening dates, with Belgium opening on January 7 and Turkey on January 13.
Meanwhile, five European countries – Albania, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece and Kosovo – will have a window that lasts the entire 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 is the league’s main transfer window, running until April 23, since the MLS season takes place during the summer.
When does the January transfer window end?
🚨🚨🌕| Sir Jim Ratcliffe won’t commit to January budget but PSR rules limit what the club can do.
Questions are also being asked about the amount of liquidity available, with several sources expecting a very quiet winter period.
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— the devils of the center. (@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 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.
However, Turkey will once again keep their transfer window open longer than most European leagues.
Turkish clubs will have until February 11 to finalize their signings, giving teams in other leagues the opportunity to sell players after their own windows close.
Winter transfer windows in February and beyond
Eddie Howe expects Newcastle to have a quiet January transfer window 💼 pic.twitter.com/1zLLGcwUWE
– Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 23, 2024
In some countries, the winter transfer window extends until February, or even later.
Russia operates from January 23 to February 20, while Poland operates from January 23 to February 22.
The Czech Republic closely resembles Poland between January 26 and February 22, while Ukraine operates between January 27 and March 11.
These extended windows give clubs in these countries more time to make changes to their squads mid-season.
Can players be signed after the transfer deadline?
For Premier League clubs, they can only add players who are free agents and if they have room in their 25-man squad.
This means there is typically little to no movement when the window closes, with only four months waiting before the window reopens.
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.
