The January transfer window is fast approaching, presenting clubs with their next opportunity to strengthen their squads.
Following the summer window, attention now turns to the mid-season market, with those chasing titles looking to bolster their offerings and those falling behind keen to fill the gap.
While there were some big-money moves in the summer, Premier League spending has seen a notable decline compared to previous years.
Until January, the only way clubs could bring in new talent was to sign free agents. But soon, scouts and athletic directors will be ready to get back on the market.
Here's everything you need to know about the January transfer window, including key dates across 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 of @jaydmharris ⬇️
— The athlete | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 24, 2024
For clubs in the Premier League and English Football League, the January 2025 transfer window officially opens on New Year's Day, which falls on Wednesday.
Several other top leagues also begin their winter window on January 1, including the Scottish Premier League, Ligue 1, the German Bundesliga, and the Saudi Professional League.
However, La Liga and Serie A begin their winter work the next day, on January 2.
The other leagues have later opening dates, with Belgium opening on January 7 and Turkey on January 13
On the other hand, five European countries – Albania, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece and Kosovo – will have a window that will last for the entire month of January, opening on January 1 and ending on January 31.
In the United States, the MLS transfer window begins on January 31. Unlike Europe, this serves as the league's primary transfer window, running until April 23, as the MLS season runs during the summer.
When does the January transfer window close?
🚨🚨🌕| Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not committed to 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 predicting a very quiet winter window.
(@TheAthleticFC) pic.twitter.com/ZuOBzSQp2G
– Devils of the Middle. (@centredevils) December 24, 2024
Although opening dates vary across leagues, most of Europe's top leagues close the January transfer window on the same day.
For clubs in England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, the deadline to complete deals is Monday 3 February.
Interestingly, the Saudi Professional League, which extended the summer transfer deadline beyond Europe, will close its winter window earlier, on January 30.
However, Türkiye will once again keep the transfer window open longer than most European leagues.
Turkish clubs will have until February 11 to complete their contracts, providing an opportunity for teams in other leagues to sell players after their windows close.
Winter transfer windows are February onwards
Eddie Howe expects Newcastle to enjoy a quiet transfer window in January 💼 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 mirrors Poland from January 26 to February 22, while Ukraine runs from January 27 to March 11.
These extended periods allow clubs in those countries additional 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 free players if they have space in their 25-man squad.
This means that there is usually little or no movement when the window closes, with only 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.
