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What is the transfer window?
Football clubs can’t sign or sell players whenever they like. To keep things fair and organised, there are specific times during the year when clubs are allowed to register new players. These are called transfer windows. The system is designed to give all clubs a fair chance to build their squads, reduce mid-season disruption, and allow for global coordination between leagues.
Definition
The transfer window is a set period when football clubs can officially sign new players. These signings can happen through purchases, loans, free transfers, or sales. The window is sometimes called the registration period, and during this time, clubs can add new players to their squad lists.
FIFA, the sport’s global governing body, oversees these rules through its Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players. Each year, there are two main transfer windows:
– A summer window (the longer one), lasting up to 12 weeks, usually during the off-season.
– A winter window, lasting up to 4 weeks, which takes place in the middle of the season.
Purpose
The transfer window exists to bring structure to player movements. By limiting when clubs can register new players, it helps to:
– Maintain squad stability throughout the season.
– Prevent constant team changes, which could affect fairness in competitions.
– Coordinate transfers worldwide, allowing players to move between clubs in different countries more smoothly.
While clubs can only bring in players when their own league’s window is open, they can still sell players to countries where the window is currently active. This helps transfers work globally, even across leagues with different calendars, such as in the United States or Nordic countries. Although the transfer window helps clubs plan better, some argue it gives richer teams an advantage and makes life harder for smaller clubs.
What makes this transfer window special?
This year, there’s a special early window from 1 June to 10 June for clubs taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup (such as Manchester City and Chelsea). The main summer window then runs from 16 June to 1 September, closing at 7 pm BST to match up with other major European leagues and support club staff working conditions.
Backstory: The evolution of the transfer window
Football hasn’t always had the structured transfer system we know today. In the past, players could switch clubs at almost any time, leading to confusion, unfair advantages, and disputes. Over time, this chaotic setup changed. Today’s transfer window is the result of nearly a century of reform, legal rulings, and efforts to keep the game balanced across countries and clubs.
Where it all began
In football’s early years, there were few rules around when and how players could move between clubs. This meant that mid-season transfers were common, often disrupting competitions and creating tension among teams. One notable example came in 1928, when Arsenal paid £10,890 for David Jack, breaking the British transfer record at the time. Such high-profile moves showed how the lack of rules could be exploited.
By the mid-20th century, individual football associations started introducing transfer deadlines to bring more control. However, these rules varied from country to country, leading to confusion and even exploitation of players.
A major turning point came in 1995 with the Bosman ruling, named after Belgian player Jean-Marc Bosman. He won a court case that gave players the right to move to a new club for free once their contract had ended. This shifted the power towards players and opened the door to many more transfers.
In response, FIFA and UEFA introduced the modern transfer window system in 2002. This brought a clear, standard structure to player transfers worldwide. The Premier League began using it in the 2002–03 season, and the system continued to evolve, at times with minor adjustments, such as deadline extensions during holidays in 2008 and 2009.
Why the evolution matters
The transfer window’s development reflects the sport’s wider efforts to:
– Protect players’ rights, especially after the Bosman case.
– Create a fairer transfer system that limits mid-season disruptions.
– Balance competition, by making sure all clubs follow the same basic rules.
– Control financial differences, helping smaller clubs compete more fairly.
Key players with expiring contracts
These players can negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs from January 2025, potentially leaving for free, or be sold before their contracts end to secure a transfer fee. Below are the key players to watch, based on confirmed exits, expiring contracts, and recent transfer market data.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
The 26-year-old Liverpool right-back, renowned for his exceptional passing and attacking contributions, has confirmed his departure from his boyhood club, with a free transfer to Real Madrid announced on May 5, 2025. Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires in June 2025, cited the move as a career-defining opportunity, ending a tenure that included a Premier League title and a Champions League triumph. His addition to Real Madrid bolsters their squad for the tournament, while Liverpool face the challenge of replacing a key creative force
Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City’s 33-year-old Belgian midfielder, a six-time Premier League winner, has joined Napoli, marking the end of a decade-long era. De Bruyne, known for his vision and pinpoint passing, was linked with top European clubs, MLS teams, and Saudi Pro League sides before joining the Italian side.
Jonathan David
The 25-year-old Canadian striker from Lille, whose contract expires on June 30, 2025, is a prime target due to his prolific scoring record, with 33 goals in 50 matches across all competitions in recent seasons. Linked with Barcelona, Manchester United, and other Premier League clubs, David is reportedly in advanced talks for a free transfer to Barcelona, though Lille may sell him before June to secure a fee, potentially in the £40-50 million range. His versatility and goal-scoring prowess make him a valuable asset for any club, particularly those aiming for success in domestic and international competitions.
The 25-year-old Canadian striker has finalized a move to Juventus on a free transfer, officially joining on July 1, 2025. This acquisition bolsters Juventus’s attacking options ahead of the new season.
Leroy Sané
The 29-year-old German winger, formerly of Bayern Munich, signed with Galatasaray as a free agent after his contract expires in June 2025. Sané will join the Turkish club on July 1, 2025, on a three-year deal with an annual salary of £7.66 million, including a €3 million net loyalty bonus. Despite earlier rumors of a £50 million move to Liverpool, where his speed, dribbling, and Premier League experience with Manchester City made him a strong fit for their attacking style, Sané opted for Galatasaray, also turning down interest from Arsenal and Tottenham.
Other notable players
Several other players with expiring contracts are worth watching, based on recent transfer market insights:
– Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton): The 27-year-old striker is rumored to join Burnley, offering a physical presence and goal-scoring threat, potentially for a modest fee or free transfer. The 28-year-old striker, previously linked with a move to Burnley, has been released by Everton. He is now a free agent, exploring options for the next chapter of his career
– Alex Meret (Napoli): The 27-year-old goalkeeper, linked with Manchester United, could bolster their goalkeeping options if he leaves Napoli.
– Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon): The 33-year-old forward is rumored to return to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, bringing experience and leadership.
– Ben Davies (Tottenham): The 32-year-old defender is linked with Leeds United, potentially strengthening their Championship campaign.
These players, while not all guaranteed to move, are on the radar due to their expiring contracts, with clubs likely to act in the early window to secure deals or preempt free transfers.
Young talents and breakout stars
Every season brings a new wave of young footballers who capture attention with their standout performances. These breakout stars not only offer excitement for fans, but also present clubs with the opportunity to invest in future potential. As we head into the 2025 summer transfer window, young talents are under close watch, especially with major competitions like the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025–26 domestic season on the horizon.
Omar Marmoush
At 24 years old, Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush has had a breakout season with Eintracht Frankfurt. Scoring 20 goals and providing 13 assists in all competitions, he has proven himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents.
His ability to play in multiple forward roles as striker, winger, or attacking midfielder makes him especially valuable. Known for his high energy, sharp movement, and clinical finishing, Marmoush attracted strong interest from top Premier League clubs like Liverpool before he secured a €70 million transfer to Manchester City in January.
Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo, aged 22, has made significant strides at Manchester United under manager Ruben Amorim. He has shone on the right wing, showing creativity and confidence, with six assists to his name in the Premier League this season.
Although he is unlikely to be sold in 2025, his growing influence has caught the eye of other clubs. With United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League after losing the Europa League final, a drop in his game time could make a loan or transfer a real possibility.
Ethan Nwaneri
Still only 17, Ethan Nwaneri is emerging as one of Arsenal’s most exciting academy products. Having made his Premier League debut at just 15, he’s now getting more minutes under Mikel Arteta, offering a glimpse of his composure, creativity, and technical skill in midfield.
A transfer in 2025 is very unlikely, given Arsenal’s focus on nurturing his talent. But if opportunities become limited, a loan move, perhaps to the Championship or a European side could be on the cards to support his development.
Potential record-breakers in 2025
Although no transfer in the summer 2025 window is expected to surpass Neymar’s €222 million record, several high-profile deals could come close or even set new benchmarks, especially for African players or within domestic markets.
– Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen): The 22-year-old German attacking midfielder, previously with Bayer Leverkusen, was sold to Liverpool in June 2025 for a club-record €136.3 million (£116 million), surpassing Kai Havertz’s €80 million move to Chelsea in 2020 as the most expensive German player ever. Wirtz, who led Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2024, recorded 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 games during the 2024-25 season. Despite interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Wirtz favored a move to Anfield, with negotiations finalised after Leverkusen rejected earlier offers, including a €130 million bid. He is set to undergo a medical and sign a contract with Liverpool, where his versatility and attacking prowess are expected to bolster the squad.
– Diogo Costa (FC Porto): The 25-year-old Portuguese goalkeeper is highly rated and linked to top clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United. With the current goalkeeper transfer record being £71.6 million (Kepa Arrizabalaga), Costa could set a new record if multiple clubs bid for him, potentially pushing the price to £80 million.
– Dean Huijsen (AFC Bournemouth): The 20-year-old Dutch centre-back, who joined Bournemouth from Juventus for €15.2 million in summer 2024, has already secured a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid, confirmed on May 17, 2025, for a £50 million (€59.5 million) release clause, to be paid in three instalments. Described as “Virgil van Dijk-esque” for his ball-playing ability and defensive prowess. Huijsen’s move, while not breaking the global record, leap-frogs the €45.30m paid by City and now stands as Bournemouth’s second highest transfer departure. It also sets a significant benchmark for young defenders and Dutch players, approaching the €75 million record for a Dutch player set by Virgil van Dijk’s transfer to Liverpool in 2018. His rapid rise, with interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool before Real Madrid’s deal, underscores his potential to impact/
– Victor Osimhen (Napoli, striker): After firing Napoli to a historic league title with 31 goals, Osimhen became one of the world’s most sought strikers. The Nigerian was initially priced at €150 million by Napoli, making him one of the most expensive players on the market. A transfer around that figure would shatter the record for an African player (currently about €80m) and easily set a new club sale record for Napoli. Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea have shown interest, and Napoli’s president was famously firm on a huge fee. Even if recent developments (including a turbulent loan to Galatasaray) saw his market value dip, a top-form Osimhen in 2025 could still command well over €100m. Any such fee would likely be a Premier League record signing if it’s an English club, or at least a </span>Serie A record sale, underlining Osimhen’s value.
– Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, winger): The Egyptian superstar, now 32, remains at his peak and is Liverpool’s talisman. In late 2023, Saudi champions Al-Ittihad made an eye-watering bid (reportedly £150m upfront, rising toward £200m) to sign Salah. Liverpool rejected that offer despite it being near a world-record level, opting to keep Salah for their title ambitions. However, Saudi interest has not waned as there are reports the Saudi Pro League could table a world-record £200+ million bid for Salah. If Liverpool were to relent, it would break Neymar’s record fee in absolute terms and certainly become the biggest sale ever by a Premier League club (eclipsing Philippe Coutinho’s €160m/£142m move in 2018 to Barcelona). Salah’s contract now runs until 2027, giving Liverpool leverage, so any transfer would require a monumental sum, reinforcing how Salah could prompt a record smash (and he’d be the costliest 30+ year-old player ever).
Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid, winger): Real Madrid should consider Vinícius untouchable, but with the recent strain of formation headaches (where he and their other star boy Mbappe play the same position) and his shocking drop in form, they may be forced to consider offers. The 25-year-old Brazilian is valued at about €200m on the market after consecutive stellar seasons. It’s unlikely Real Madrid would sell a player of that caliber, but were that move to happen, it could be a contender for top transfer (transfer fee of all time).
Latest signings (Live Updates)
This section is updated regularly with the most recent confirmed transfers in the 2025 summer window. Bookmark this blog and check back often to stay in the loop.
✅ Confirmed Transfers as of 8th July 2025
– João Pedro → Chelsea
£60 million from Brighton. The Brazilian forward strengthens Chelsea’s attacking lineup.
– Jamie Gittens → Chelsea
£48.5 million from Borussia Dortmund. The young winger adds depth to Chelsea’s flanks.
– Matheus Cunha → Manchester United
£62.5 million from Wolves. The Brazilian forward becomes United’s marquee signing of the window.
– Martin Zubimendi → Arsenal
£60 million from Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder is expected to play a central role in Arsenal’s midfield.
– Thierno Barry → Everton
£27.5 million from Villarreal. The French striker is undergoing a medical ahead of his move to Merseyside.
– Anthony Elanga → Newcastle United
£60 million from Nottingham Forest. The Swedish winger is set to bolster Newcastle’s attacking options.
– Kepa Arrizabalaga → Arsenal
£5 million from Chelsea. The Spanish goalkeeper adds experience to Arsenal’s squad.
– Kevin Danso → Tottenham Hotspur
£20.9 million from RC Lens. The Austrian defender strengthens Spurs’ backline.
– Jean-Clair Todibo → West Ham United
£35 million from Nice. The French center-back is a significant addition to West Ham’s defense.
– Jorgen Strand Larsen → Wolverhampton Wanderers
£23 million from Celta Vigo. The Norwegian striker aims to make an impact at Wolves.
– Florian Wirtz → Liverpool
€136.3 million – Club-record signing
Wirtz joins from Bayer Leverkusen after a stellar season leading them to the Bundesliga title.
– Trent Alexander-Arnold → Real Madrid
Free transfer
Ends his long tenure at Liverpool to join the European champions ahead of the Club World Cup.
– Kevin De Bruyne → Napoli
Free transfer
The Belgian midfield maestro leaves Manchester City after a decade to strengthen Napoli’s midfield.
– Leroy Sané → Galatasaray
Free transfer (contract starts July 1)
Signs a 3-year deal with the Turkish side, turning down Premier League clubs.
– Dean Huijsen → Real Madrid
€59.5 million
Bournemouth’s rising star centre-back moves to Madrid after a strong breakout season.
– Giorgi Mamardashvili → Liverpool
£25 million from Valencia. The Georgian goalkeeper officially joins Liverpool on July 1, 2025, after spending the previous season on loan at Valencia.
– Paul Pogba → AS Monaco
Free transfer. The 32-year-old French midfielder signs a two-year deal, returning to Ligue 1 after his contract with Juventus was terminated.
– Ansu Fati → AS Monaco
Season-long loan from FC Barcelona with an €11 million buy option. Barcelona retains a €28 million buy-back clause
Sportmonks football API: Tracking transfers in the 2025 summer window
The summer 2025 transfer window, running from June 1 to September 1, with an early registration period from June 1 to June 10 for FIFA Club World Cup participants, will be filled with big deals and strategic signings. For fans, analysts, and club officials looking to keep track of all the transfer activity, Sportmonks’ Football API provides a powerful tool to monitor confirmed transfers, including incoming and outgoing deals for each team, offering real-time, detailed data to aid in planning and engagement.
Overview of Sportmonks’ transfer API
Sportmonks’ football API covers over 2,500 football leagues worldwide and provides live scores, lineups, stats, and crucially, transfer data through dedicated endpoints like “GET All Transfers” and “GET Transfers by Team ID.” This allows users to track confirmed transfers, loan deals, and free transfers across leagues. For example, it can track high-profile moves like Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free transfer to Real Madrid.
The real-time updates and structured endpoints make the API essential for fans following transfer stories, developers building football apps, and analysts evaluating team strategies. For instance, the “GET Transfers by Team ID” endpoint lets users view all transfer activity for specific clubs like Manchester City or Real Madrid.
Key features and benefits
Sportmonks’ football API offers comprehensive and flexible transfer data tailored to the 2025 transfer window. Key features include:
– Comprehensive transfer coverage: The “GET All Transfers” endpoint provides access to all transfers, including permanent transfers, loans, and free transfers across global leagues. This helps fans stay updated on moves like Jonathan David’s potential free transfer to Barcelona or Victor Osimhen’s transfer rumors from Napoli.
– Team-specific insights: The “GET Transfers by Team ID” endpoint gives detailed transfer histories for individual clubs, including all incoming and outgoing players, transfer types, and fees.
– Real-time updates: The API offers live data to ensure users get confirmed transfer info as it happens.
– Flexible integration: Sportmonks’ API integrates with platforms like Dart, allowing developers to build apps or dashboards that display transfer data. This flexibility lets fans create personalized tools to monitor transfers for specific teams or players.
– Transfer type clarity: The API clearly categorizes transfers (e.g., loan, permanent), helping users understand the nature of each deal.
These features make Sportmonks’ API a top choice for navigating the busy transfer market and tracking the key moves during the 2025 window.
Stay ahead of the game with Sportmonks
Transfers shape the world of football, and staying updated is crucial. With the Sportmonks football API, you’ll never miss a moment of the action during the thrilling 2025 summer transfer window. Get real-time updates on player moves, comprehensive transfer details, and insights from over 2,500 leagues globally. Easy to integrate and designed with developers in mind, the Sportmonks API helps you effortlessly track key deals like Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid or the latest rumours surrounding stars like Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sané.
Start your free trial now and empower your football project with the best transfer data available.
FAQs about the upcoming transfer window
