Transfer Deadline Day is nearly upon us!
There are few more exciting times of the year for soccer fans than during the summer months when the transfer window opens. Some of the biggest stars in the world will move clubs during the period, creating potential breaking news stories that fans often struggle to keep up to date with.
However, the close of the summer transfer window for 2024 is quickly approaching, as the clock is ticking on clubs to complete their business before the domestic seasons around Europe move into top gear.
You can find out everything that you need to know about Deadline Day 2024 here.
When Did The Transfer Window Open?
The 2024 summer transfer window opened for business on June 14, which was the same day as the EURO 2024 opener between Scotland and Germany.
Premier League and EFL clubs were able to begin their negotiations on this day, but due to many of the world’s biggest players being away on international duty, the significant deals couldn’t be completed until the end of the respective European Championships and Copa America.
Interestingly, the EPL and EFL are slightly different from other major leagues in Europe, as players can’t be registered in France, Spain, Italy, and Germany until July 1.
Premier League Transfer Deadline
The deadline for conducting business is quickly approaching, with English clubs having until August 30 to get deals over the line. All the required paperwork must be sent to the Premier League before the cut-off at 11pm GMT, but deals could still be completed late into the night if clubs in the competition provide deal sheets to the Premier League.
Deadline day drama has seen several staggering deals completed late into the night, including Dimitar Berbatov’s dramatic move from Tottenham to Man United in 2009. However, not all moves get over the line, with none being as famous as Peter Odemwingie’s failed move to QPR from West Brom.
The striker drove to Loftus Road to force the deal over the line before a transfer couldn’t be agreed upon, meaning that the Nigerian was forced back into Baggies training the following day.
When is The Transfer Deadline For The Rest of Europe?
All five major leagues in Europe have the same deadline on August 30, but the time deals must be completed differs slightly. Spain has the same cut-off time at 11 pm GMT as the Premier League, but the deadline arrives an hour earlier in France. Meanwhile, Bundesliga teams have until 5 pm GMT to wrap up any deals that they are trying to get over the line, and all transfers in Serie A must be completed by 7 pm GMT.
Biggest Deals So Far
Europe’s elite have spent huge sums this summer, but it could be argued that the biggest transfer in 2024 was a Bosman, as Real Madrid completed the signing of Kylian Mbappe from PSG on a free. The World Cup winner recently opened his account for Los Blancos in their Super Cup win against Atalanta.
The most expensive deal of the summer so far was completed between Man City and Atletico Madrid, as Julian Alvarez moved to the Spanish capital for a fee believed to be over $100 million.
Dominic Solanke was the biggest signing in the Premier League, with Tottenham paying $70 million for Bournemouth’s top scorer from last season. Man United have spent the most money in the summer window, with the Red Devils bringing in Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, and Matthijs de Ligt.
Stories to Watch on Transfer Deadline Day
As Deadline Day approaches, the rumors of big-money moves will heat up on social media. Many players are reportedly going to be on the move before August 30, and some of the stories to follow on Deadline Day can be found below:
Ivan Toney
Brentford star Ivan Toney is set to leave the club before the transfer window closes this summer, with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli in talks for the England forward. Toney was left out of Brentford’s squad for their opening day win against Crystal Palace.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling appears to be surplus to requirements following the arrival of Enzo Maresca, with the former Man City star left out of the team’s squads for their first two competitive matches of the season. Juventus have expressed an interest in the winger, but Sterling’s wage demands could be a stumbling block.
Victor Osimhen
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been rumored with a move away from Napoli throughout the summer, but no club has yet met the Serie A club’s valuation for their star player. PSG and Chelsea are believed to be the front-runners for the striker who netted 26 league goals in Napoli’s title-winning campaign in 2022-23.
Marc Guehi
A big Premier League transfer saga that has been rumbling all summer is Newcastle United’s pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. The Magpies have already had four bids rejected by the Eagles, with their latest totaling $85 million. A fifth bid is reportedly likely.
Manuel Ugarte
Man United’s summer spending doesn’t appear to be over, as they are progressing in talks with PSG for Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte. A deal looks likely, but a permanent transfer before the deadline could hinge on the Red Devils offloading either Jadon Sancho or Scott McTominay.
When Does The Transfer Window Reopen?
Once the summer transfer window closes on August 30, Premier League clubs will have their squads set for the season’s first three months. However, an opportunity to strengthen comes in the winter when the January window opens on New Year’s Day. The winter window will then remain open until February 1 at 11 pm GMT.
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