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Explained: Why winter transfer window shuts on February 3 instead of January 31 with 'harmonisation' reason given by Premier League

The winter transfer window has become slightly confusing in 2025 as it will close for business across the Premier League and EFL on February 3.

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  • January window does not close until February
  • Teams given added time in which to get deals done
  • Brings English football in line with other European nations
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Despite that market generally being referred to as the ‘January window’ it will be ticking over into the second month of the new calendar year. That could be considered a good thing for those sides that like to leave their business late.

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    Historically, the winter window has slammed shut on January 31. That is no longer the case, with teams in England being given a few extra days in which to beat the – as plenty of managers remain in the hunt for that fabled "missing piece".

  • THE EXPLANATION

    The Premier League has stated that an extension to the January window has been put in place as it allows English football to fall in line with continental neighbours. Issues are always going to materialise when individual countries and divisions find themselves working to different schedules.

  • WHAT THE PREMIER LEAGUE SAID

    The Premier League said in a statement back in May 2024, when the calendar for the current campaign was drawn up: "The winter window will open on Wednesday 1 January 2025 and will close at 23:00 GMT on Monday 3 February 2025. To ensure harmonisation with the major leagues in Europe, the closing dates were set following discussions with the EFL, DFL, Serie A, La Liga, and LFP, who will all close their Summer and Winter windows on 30 August and 3 February respectively."

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