Important dates are all you need to know

The January transfer window is fast approaching, giving clubs the next opportunity to strengthen their squads.

Following the summer window, attention now turns to the mid-season market, with silverware chasers looking to boost their sales and laggards looking to close the gap.

Despite the big money moves made in the summer, the Premier League’s revenue has fallen significantly compared to previous years.

Until January, the only way clubs can bring in new talent is through free signings. But soon, scouts and sports managers are ready to get back on the market.

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

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 from @jaydmharris ⬇️

– Runner | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 24, 2024

For clubs in the Premier League and English Soccer League, the January 2025 transfer window officially opens on New Year’s Day, which is a Wednesday.

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

However, Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A begin their winter business the next day, on January 2.

Other matches have 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 for the full month of January, opening on January 1 and closing on January 31.

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

When Does the January Transfer Window Close?

🚨🚨🌕| Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not committed to the January budget, but the PSR rules limit what the group can do.

There are also questions about the amount of money to be dumped, with several sources expecting a quiet winter window.

(@TheAthleticFC) pic.twitter.com/ZuOBzSQp2G

– centerdevils. (@centredevils) December 24, 2024

Although the opening dates vary between clubs, most of Europe’s top players close their January transfer windows on the same day.

For clubs in England, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the deadline to complete contracts is Monday, February 3.

Interestingly, the Saudi Pro League, which extended its summer transfer window beyond Europe, will close its fifth window earlier, on January 30.

Turkey, however, will open its transfer window more than most European players.

Turkish clubs have until February 11 to complete signings, giving clubs in other sports the chance to sell players after their transfer window closes.

Winter Transfer Windows in February and Beyond

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

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

In some countries, the winter transition window runs until February, or later.

Russia is active between January 23 and February 20, while Poland is from January 23 to February 22.

The Czech Republic observes Poland between January 26 and February 22, while Ukraine is active between January 27 and March 11.

These extended windows allow clubs in those countries extra time to change their squads mid-season.

Can players be signed after the deadline?

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

This means that there is usually little movement when the window closes, with only four months to wait until the window opens again.

Players can be released by Premier League clubs at any time, but the general rule is that they sign for another club outside the market.