The transfer deadline for European football clubs is approaching and the cut-off point for deals is coming quickly. Things this summer haven’t been as busy as expected, but the finals promise to be lively as the top five UEFA competitions close their doors on Friday, August 30.
Be sure to catch CBS Sports Golazo Network’s coverage of transfer deadline day with a special edition of Scoreline on Friday, August 30. Aly Trost Martin and Chris Wittyngham are joined by Nigel Reo-Coker at Tom Bogert at 5pm ET to break down all the news and notes from the final hours of the window.
Here’s what you need to know:
Watch Deadline Day on Golazo Network
When does the window close?
All times ET
- Bundesliga: Afternoon
- Series A: 2 p.m
- League 1: 5 p.m
- Premier League: 6 p.m
- La Liga: 6 p.m
Why does the window close earlier?
In recent years, the regular August 31 deadline fell on a weekend and was therefore extended to the next business day, which would have been a Monday this year, on September 2. This time, however, the leagues opted to have their collective windows on Friday, a decision made after discussions among the top five leagues. Other competitions can and will remain open and close on later dates after August 30.
Can clubs still sign free agents?
Yes, clubs in any league can sign non-affiliated players at any time after the deadline. As long as a player is not contractually tied to another club, deals can be made between the players and clubs once the window closes. Registration for league squads is a different story, especially in UEFA competitions, but deals for contracted players cannot be officially completed until the window opens again in the winter.
Which windows are open a little longer?
Notable European leagues that will remain open and could sign players from the top five leagues once they close include Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium and Turkiye. The Primeira Liga and Eredivisie windows are open until the following week on September 2, while Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League is open until September 6 and Turkiye’s Super Lig until September 13. One to keep an eye on once Europe goes quiet is Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, which will be open for almost a month longer before closing on October 6, while the midseason MLS window already closed on August 14 .
Opening dates winter window 2025
- Premier League: Wednesday January 1
- La Liga: Thursday January 2
- Series A: Thursday January 2
- Bundesliga: Wednesday January 1
- League 1: Wednesday January 1
