When does the transfer window close?

When does the transfer window close? Well in England it’s at 11pm this evening. However, signings can still be made after 11pm providing a ‘deal sheet’ is submitted.

A deal sheet cannot be submitted prior to 9pm and needs to be delivered fully completed before 11pm. Clubs then have until 1am to conclude their business.

If a club is looking to complete an international transfer, it still has to comply with the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS) deadline of midnight. Both clubs have to upload all the information to TMS and details submitted by both clubs must match. The English Football Association will request clearance from the foreign association and if this is passed, the FA will then inform the club and the Premier League. You will often hear of this referred to as ‘international clearance’.

Clubs have to send the Premier League all documents relating to the transfer for it to be registered i.e. a copy of the contract including all financial terms, the transfer agreement and if applicable, permission to work in the UK. Any international clearance details if applicable along with details of any transfer levy that may apply also has to be included.

The Premier League ensures that transfers comply with their rules and regulations and if applicable FIFA rules. Providing there are no problems, they will register the transfer.

If a work permit is needed, clubs needs to have applied prior to the window closing.

All clubs are contacted during the day by the Premier League to ask if they expect to do any business. The Premier League’s offices are manned until late but this gives them an idea of any work that they may have to deal with. They are also available to answer questions.

Fax machines are often still used to transmit documents as they are quicker than scanning documents to send via email.

• Premier League handbook and rules (.pdf)