The January transfer window is fast approaching, providing clubs with their next opportunity to strengthen their squads.

After the summer window, attention now shifts to the mid-season market, with those chasing silverware looking to strengthen their bids and those keen to close the gap lagging behind.

While there were some big-money moves in the summer, the Premier League saw a significant drop in spending compared to previous years.

Until January, the only way for clubs to bring in new talent is to sign free agents. But soon, scouts and sports directors will be ready to dive back into the market.

Here’s what you need to know about the January transfer window, including key dates in Europe’s top leagues.

When does the January transfer window open?

Ange Postecoglou has admitted that Tottenham Hotspur “need to strengthen” their squad in the January transfer window.#THFC

more than @jaydmharris ⬇️

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 24, 2024

For Premier League and English Football League clubs, the January 2025 transfer window officially opens on New Year’s Day, which falls on Wednesday.

Several other major leagues also start their winter windows on January 1, including the Scottish Premiership, France’s Ligue 1, Germany’s Bundesliga and the Saudi Pro League.

However, Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A begin their winter season a day later, on January 2.

Other leagues also have later start dates, with Belgium opening on January 7 and Turkey on January 13.

Meanwhile, five European countries – Albania, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece and Kosovo – will have a window lasting the full month of January, opening on January 1 and closing on January 31.

In the United States, the Major League Soccer transfer window begins on January 31. Unlike Europe, this serves as the league’s primary transfer window, which runs until April 23, as the MLS season runs through the summer.

When does the January transfer window close?

🚨🚨🌕 | Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not committed to the January budget, but PSR rules limit what clubs can do.

There are also questions about the amount of cash available, with many sources expecting a very quiet winter window.

(@TheAthleticFC) pic.twitter.com/ZuOBzSQp2G

– Centredevils. (@centredevils) December 24, 2024

Although opening dates vary from league to league, most of Europe’s top leagues close their January transfer windows on the same day.

For clubs in England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, the deadline to finalize deals is Monday, February 3.

Interestingly, the Saudi Pro League, which has extended its summer transfer window well outside of Europe, will close its winter window earlier on January 30.

However, Turkey will once again keep its transfer window open longer than most European leagues.

Turkish clubs will have until February 11 to complete their signings, giving teams from other leagues the opportunity to sell players after their own windows close.

Winter Transfer Windows February and beyond

Eddie Howe expects Newcastle to keep the January transfer window 💼 quiet pic.twitter.com/1zLLGcwUWE

– Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 23, 2024

In some countries, the winter transfer window extends well into February or even later.

Russia runs from January 23 to February 20, while Poland runs from January 23 to February 22.

The Czech Republic closely mirrors Poland between January 26 and February 22, Ukraine operates between January 27 and March 11.

This extended window gives clubs from those countries extra time to make mid-season changes to their squads.

Can players be signed after the transfer deadline?

For Premier League clubs, they can only add players who are free agents and if there is room in their 25-man squad.

This means that there is usually little or no movement when the window closes, with only four months to wait until the window opens again.

Players can be released by Premier League clubs at any time, but the general rule is that they cannot sign for another club outside the market.