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The football transfer window: how does it work?
Two windows a year, agents, offers, and a final day when everything speeds up.
The transfer windows
A club can only sign or sell players during set periods: the summer window, from early July to the end of August, and the winter window in January. Outside those windows, clubs can no longer register new players.
The last day of each window is “deadline day”: talks speed up, and many deals close in the final hours.
Who is involved
- the buying club and the selling club, who agree on the fee
- the player, who accepts or refuses the contract terms
- agents, who represent the player and negotiate for them
- the sporting director, who leads the talks for the club
Living it in Shadow Director
In the game the window is open in July, August and January. An email warns you when it opens, 7 and then 3 days before it closes, and when it closes. On deadline day, agents write to you in a rush. See the game situations to find out what those exchanges look like.
Frequently asked questions
When does the transfer window open?
In most European leagues: July to the end of August for the summer, and January for the winter. In Shadow Director: July, August and January.
What happens on deadline day?
It is the last day of the window. Clubs and agents close or drop their deals before the deadline.