January transfer window guide: Key dates, expected deals and everything you need to know
As 2025 draws to a close, fans are gearing up for another exciting year of football starting with the January transfer window.
Tomorrow morning, the January Transfer Window 2026 will officially open, giving clubs around the world the opportunity to strengthen their squads, deal with their injury problems and add depth to their squad to fulfill their ambitions for next year.
After a summer of record spending in 2025, the mid-season window promises to be an eventful one.
When Does the Window Open and Close?
For Premier League clubs, business can officially start on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
However, the deadline will look a little different this year. Because the traditional closing date of January 31 is a Saturday, the window has been extended.
The deadline for all domestic and international transfers for Premier League clubs is on Monday,
February 2, 2026, at 19:00 GMT (7 PM UK time).
In Europe:
Bundesliga (Germany) & Ligue 1 (France): Opens Jan 1 – Closes Feb 2.
La Liga (Spain) and Serie A (Italy): Opens Jan 2 – Closes Feb 2.
Saudi Pro League: Opens Jan 5 – Closes Feb 2.
Importantly, as of January 1, players in the last six months of their contracts are allowed to negotiate pre-contract agreements with clubs outside their home league, under rules governed by FIFA.
This allows clubs to secure future signings early without paying a transfer fee.
What happens when the deadline is passed?
If two clubs reach an agreement close to the cut-off point, the Premier League allows more time for the necessary documents to be completed and filed.
In such cases, an agreement sheet is submitted to ensure that terms are agreed upon, after which clubs are given another two-hour window to complete and submit all remaining paperwork.
Why the January window is important
The January window is often more about fine-tuning than rebuilding. Title contenders may be looking for depth, relegation-threatened sides often want immediate impact signings, and clubs competing in Europe may face injury problems.
Managers under pressure often see January as a lifeline, while others use it to offload young players and rebalance squads.
Young players are often given minutes, while experienced professionals are brought in to stabilize teams.
Deals are expected in the January window
Manuel Ugarte has been linked with a move away from Manchester United and the latest club to show interest in signing him is Galatasaray, as exclusively reported by Caught Offside.
With Liverpool striker Alexander Isak sidelined with a long-term injury, could they afford to loan out a striker?
As for Chelsea, although they have no intention of signing a new player, they may be in the market for a new manager. Caught Offside has selected the main players to replace Enzo Maresca.
The biggest January deal is expected to be Antoine Semenyo’s move from Bournemouth to Manchester City.
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