Top five European Leagues align transfer window deadline times

May 13, 2025 - In a landmark move to streamline transfer operations, the top five European football leagues have agreed to synchronize their transfer window deadlines. 

The Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 will now all close their transfer windows at the same time on deadline day—7 p.m. UK (8 p.m. CET / 2 p.m. ET).

The coordinated approach eliminates the previously staggered deadline times, which often led to complications for clubs trying to complete last-minute deals. Under the old system, windows closed at different times across leagues—ranging from 5 p.m. UK time in the Bundesliga to as late as 11:59 p.m. in LaLiga—leaving clubs vulnerable to losing players without having time to secure replacements.

Going forward, both the summer and winter transfer windows will follow the new unified schedule, providing clarity and consistency across European football’s major leagues.

Two Summer Windows in 2025

In a unique arrangement for 2025, there will be two summer transfer windows due to preparations for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup.

• The first window runs from June 1 to June 10.

• The main window opens on June 16 in England and July 1 in the other leagues, closing on Monday, September 1.

This dual-window format allows clubs to finalize transfers early if needed for Club World Cup preparations, while also maintaining the traditional mid-year market.

Improved Deadline Day Process

The aligned 7 p.m. UK deadline allows clubs to make better use of the deal sheet system, a mechanism that provides extra time for transfers agreed late in the window.

Deal sheets may be submitted during the final two hours before the window closes, allowing clubs an additional two hours to finalize paperwork after the deadline. With all five leagues now closing in the early evening, clubs benefit from improved logistical coordination and reduced uncertainty.

This harmonized approach marks a significant step forward in transfer market efficiency and aims to prevent the chaotic final hours that have often characterized deadline day in the past.