When is transfer deadline day?

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When is transfer deadline day? Many football fans have asked this on Google with February almost upon us.

Clubs across the globe are able to sign new players throughout January, although some supporters are unsure of the exact time their sides will no longer be allowed to do business.

So, when is transfer deadline day? Let’s take a look…

When is transfer deadline day?

Well, the transfer deadline this month falls on Tuesday 31st January – for those in England at least.

Clubs in Belgium, Greece, Turkey and Israel usually have a different deadline.

Nevertheless, for those involved in English football, new signings will have to be made before 23:00 GMT on Tuesday for them to be registered for the second half of the season.

If an agreement has been reached, then clubs can submit what is known as a deal sheet to the Premier League, which gives them extra time to fill out the necessary paperwork.

Therefore, we can often see some signings officially go through the morning after, although it is imperative that an agreement is struck before 23:00 GMT.

Can a free agent be signed at any time?

Many have also asked this on Google.

A free agent – someone who is not contracted to a football club – is allowed to join a new side whenever, regardless of when the transfer window opens or closes.

Therefore, if any club still needs a reinforcement, but misses the deadline, they can dip into the free agent market for a solution – the likes of Dani Alves, Eliaquim Mangala and Danny Rose are currently in that category, to name a few.

Can footballers refuse transfer?

Regardless of what two clubs say during transfer negotiations, it is the player involved who often has the final say.

However, some players have gone along with their club’s wishes despite being unsure about the move, as Andy Carroll admitted as he found himself flying to Liverpool after Newcastle accepted a £36m bid back in 2011.

The Guardian quote the 34-year-old as saying: “Derek (Llambias, Newcastle’s Managing Director) asked me to hand in a transfer request, so I was pushed into a corner and had no choice. I wasn’t wanted by them and they made it clear they wanted the money.

“Then I flew down in a helicopter. I didn’t want to leave. I’m gutted that I wasn’t wanted at my home team after everything I have done and the progress I have made. I didn’t want to leave at all.”

Carroll still could have refused to join Liverpool, but clearly, he felt those at Newcastle had already burned bridges and saw no other option but to depart.