x

The Transfer Window Explained

A quick guide to when this summers transfer window opens and just how it works as we head into what will hopefully a fruitful summer.

Although the season has finished, the transfer window doesnt officially open till 1st July and will then remain open till 31st August, the starting date vary's in other European countries, but they all close on that 31st August date, you can though transfer out players to other countries who have different windows, ie Southern Hemisphere nations outside of our window.

But in the summer although the window doesnt open till July, it is still possible to do deals before the opening, in the Uk clubs are allowed to do deals with clubs in the same association, ie English, Scottish etc, those out of contract are also free agents and can set up moves themselves, although as most player contracts run till 30th June, the deal wont be formally completed till then.

Premier League clubs are not allowed to loan in players outside of the window except in special circumstances agreed by the FA, usually when there are no fit goalkeepers, although out of contract players are free to sign outside of the window as we found with Artur Boruc last season.

So let the haggling commence and if at the end of it we have a couple of central defenders I have not only heard of but are truly Premier class, plus a couple of wide men, then I think that will be a decent transfer window for Saints  

What to read next:

Refwatch - Stockton Town v Rochdale (FA Trophy)
Dale’s rearranged FA Trophy fourth round tie at Stockton Town on Wednesday will be refereed by PAUL COOPER.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Stockton Town
Dale’s FA Trophy fourth round tie at home to Stockton Town on Saturday will be refereed by JOHN MULLIGAN.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Stockton Town
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Saturday’s FA Trophy fourth round tie against Stockton Town.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Altrincham
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for our New Year’s Day Vanarama National League fixture against Altrincham.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Altrincham
Dale’s first game of 2025 against Altrincham on New Year’s Day will be refereed by AARON JACKSON.
Refwatch - AFC Fylde v Rochdale
Dale will meet a new match official on Boxing Day when their second visit of the campaign to AFC Fylde is refereed by ELLIOTT SWALLOW.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Boston United
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Saturday’s Vanarama National League fixture against Boston United.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Boston United
Referee STUART MORLAND will officiate at Spotland for the second time in two months when he takes charge of Saturday’s home fixture against Boston United.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Tamworth
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Tuesday’s Vanarama National League fixture against Tamworth.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Tamworth
Dale’s home game versus Tamworth on Tuesday will be refereed by the familiar figure of DARREN DRYSDALE.