Has the January Transfer Window Closed?
Today is Tuesday, February 4, 2025, and SportsRations’ Nsikakabasi Akpan is writing this article to answer the big question on the lips of football fans around the world: Has the January transfer window closed?
Deadline Day Drama
The January transfer window has been a thrilling one, with major clubs across Europe making last-minute efforts to complete deals before the deadline. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham were among the busiest clubs, looking to reinforce their squads before the window shut.
Some of the biggest names in the transfer market included Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who was the subject of a rejected bid from Arsenal, and Mathys Tel of Bayern Munich, who attracted interest from Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal, and United. West Ham also sought to bring in a new striker, with Brighton’s Evan Ferguson on their radar.
Manchester City and Aston Villa made big moves just before the midseason transfer window closed. Four-time defending Premier League champions City secured a late deal for Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez for a reported $61.8 million, while three-time Champions League winner Marco Asensio joined Villa on loan until the end of the season.
Uncertainty over Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel finally ended when he completed a loan move to Tottenham with the option of a permanent deal in the summer.
Paris Saint-Germain was one of the most active clubs during the window, signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli and releasing several players.
The Columbus Crew completed the permanent transfer of MLS All-Star forward Juan Camilo “Cucho” Hernández to Real Betis for an undisclosed fee.
Meanwhile, Nigerian striker Emmanuel Dennis was the subject of interest from multiple clubs, with Toulouse and Werder Bremen leading the race for his signature before the window closed.
Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho found escape from Sevilla struggles with Middlesbrough move before the January transfer window closed.
When Did the January Transfer Window Close?
The Premier League’s winter transfer window officially closed at 11 PM GMT on Monday, February 3, 2025. The English Football League (EFL) transfer window also closed at the same time, bringing an end to all domestic transfers in England.
Transfer Deadline Across Europe
European leagues operated on the same February 3, 2025 deadline, though their closing times varied:
- La Liga: 11 PM GMT (same as the Premier League)
- Bundesliga: 5 PM GMT
- Serie A: 7 PM GMT
- Ligue 1: 10 PM GMT
With the window now officially closed across Europe, any remaining transfers will have to wait until the summer window.
When Does the Summer Transfer Window Open?
Football clubs and fans won’t have to wait too long for the next transfer frenzy. The summer transfer window is set to open on June 12, 2025, giving teams another opportunity to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Until then, clubs will have to make do with the squads they have assembled in January, while fans eagerly anticipate how these new signings will impact their teams for the rest of the season.
