The 2025 summer transfer window has been in full swing, but this year’s edition looks different unlike the usual.
This is because FIFA expanded Club World Cup influenced the calendar and altering the usual European transfer dynamics.
With clubs scrambling to make last-minute deals, here’s everything you need to know about when the window opens and closes across major leagues, plus a look ahead to the 2026 winter window.
Transfer Deadline Day: Why the Transfer Window Changed This Year
The Club World Cup, which began on June 15 and features 32 teams, forced FIFA to implement an early registration period for clubs involved in the tournament.
“The Club World Cup began on June 15, and the 32 clubs involved needed to be able to sign players before it started,”ESPN reported.
“So FIFA gave member associations with clubs in the tournament the right to apply an additional registration period, which ran from June 1 to 10.”
England was among those who opted in, reopening its transfer window on June 16, while most of Europe waited until the traditional July 1 opening.
Deadline Day: Sept. 1, 2025
This summer’s deadline falls one day later than usual because August 31 is a Sunday.
The window will now close on Monday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. UK / 2 p.m. ET in most major European leagues, following discussions between Europe’s top five leagues.
“The closing date was set following discussions between the top five European leagues, including moving to a standard deadline time of 7 p.m. UK / 2 p.m. ET,” ESPN added.
However, Spain’s LaLiga will buck the trend, closing its window at 10.59 p.m. UK / 5.59 p.m. ET, meaning Spanish clubs can swoop for last-minute deals after other leagues shut their business.
Some associations, including Portugal and Saudi Arabia, will keep their windows open weeks longer, meaning deals with closed leagues can still be completed later if the buying club’s window is open.
Premier League: Early Transfer Deadline for English Clubs
The Premier League officially reopened its window on June 16, with international and free transfer deals able to process from July 1.
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Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. UK / 2 p.m. ET
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This is four hours earlier than previous seasons.
Fans can expect another dramatic deadline day, with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal all tipped to be active late into the window.
LaLiga: Later Finish for Spanish Clubs
Spain’s top flight has opted out of the standardised early close, creating a strategic advantage for LaLiga clubs.
Serie A: Winter Window Dates Confirmed
Italy followed the standard summer schedule but has already set its winter dates.
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Summer: July 1 – Sept. 1, 7 p.m. UK / 2 p.m. ET
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Winter: Jan. 2 – Feb. 2
Bundesliga: Extended Deadline
Germany has moved its closure two hours later than usual, allowing Bundesliga clubs slightly more time for negotiations.
Ligue 1: Three-Hour Early Finish
French clubs have less time to work deals, with the Ligue 1 window closing three hours earlier than in recent years.
Women’s Super League: Extended Summer Window
The WSL has a longer summer trading period than its male counterpart.
MLS: Secondary Window Closed
Major League Soccer wrapped up its secondary window early.
Other Key Transfer Windows Worldwide
| Country/League | Opening Date | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (A-League) | July 1 | Nov. 30 |
| Mexico (Liga MX) | July 3 | Sept. 12 |
| Netherlands (Eredivisie) | June 16 | Sept. 1 |
| Portugal (Liga Portugal) | July 1 | Sept. 15 |
| Saudi Arabia (SPL) | July 20 | Oct. 8 |
2026 Winter Transfer Window
FIFA’s Transfer Window Calendar confirms that the 2026 winter transfer window will also be slightly adjusted, with Jan. 31 falling on a weekend, meaning the window will close on Monday, Feb. 2.
Free Agents Can Still Sign
Even after the transfer deadline, clubs can sign free agents as long as the player is unattached when the window closes. Additionally, clubs in leagues with closed windows can agree deals with clubs in leagues where the window is still open.
