Transfer window dates 2026/27: when the January window opens and closes

Confirmed dates for January 2027

Times are as each source gives them; most do not name a time zone, so read them as local time in that country. A deal usually has to be registered with the national association before the deadline, not only agreed; check your federation's exact procedure.

Not yet announced

These leagues had not published their January 2027 dates when we last checked (17 October 2026). Last winter's dates are shown only as a guide to what to expect; they are not this season's dates.

MLS is a special case in 2027: it plays a shortened season from February to May 2027 before moving to a summer-to-spring calendar [12], so its 2027 windows may not follow last year's pattern.

The FIFA rules behind the windows

Under article 6 of FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, a player can only be registered during one of the two registration periods a year that each national association sets. The first period begins on the first day of the season and may not exceed 12 weeks; the second normally falls in the middle of the season and may not exceed four weeks [13]. That is why the dates differ per country.

There is one important exception. A professional whose contract expired before the end of a registration period may be registered outside it, if the national association allows it and with due consideration for the sporting integrity of the competition [13]. Whether a club can still sign a free agent after the deadline therefore depends on the country.

FIFA has announced new Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players that enter into force on 1 January 2027 [14]. The announcement does not mention any change to the registration periods, and the leagues above have set their January 2027 dates as usual.

Using the window well

1. Decide which positions you need before the window opens, so the weeks before it go to finding and checking players rather than deciding what you need.
2. Ask agents early, so they have time to find a player who is actually available and fits.
3. Plan for the registration, not just the agreement: medicals, international transfer certificates and paperwork take time on deadline day.
4. Check whether your country allows free agents to be registered after the deadline before relying on one.

On Transferlink a club posts the player it needs and FIFA-licensed agents each offer their best match, so you can start before the window opens. See Transferlink for football clubs, or read how to find a licensed football agent.