January 2024 transfer deadline day: Everything you need to know
From the official Chelsea FC website:
The end of the 2024 January transfer window is fast approaching for Chelsea and clubs across the European game – and here is all you need to know ahead of transfer deadline day, which takes place on Thursday (1 February).
The winter transfer window has been quiet across the Premier League, but that can all change on deadline day as clubs attempt to finalise their squads for the remainder of the campaign.
Here you can find all the information you need on transfer deadline day, the January transfer window, and the rules for new signings in the Premier League.
When does the transfer window close?
The winter transfer deadline for Premier League clubs and all major European leagues is on Thursday 1 February 2024. In England, the window will close at 11pm (UK time).
When does the transfer window close in Spain, Italy, Germany and France?
Spain’s window ends at the same time as England – 11pm on 1 February – while French teams must complete deals by 10pm.
As always, the German window closes at the end of the working day (5pm). In Italy, transfers must be completed by 7pm.
Which countries can still sign players after that date?
The exception among the top European leagues is Portugal, where teams will have an extra day to finish their business before the window closes on Friday 2 February.
Turkey also has longer, until Friday 9 February, while the last of the European windows is Switzerland on Thursday 15 February.
This time around, the Saudi Arabian window closes earlier than those in Europe, on Tuesday 30 January, although those in the United Arab Emirates have until Wednesday 21 February.
What happens after the deadline?
If a transfer is agreed between two clubs late in the day, the Premier League can grant additional time for the relevant documentation to be completed and submitted.
A deal sheet can be sent to the authorities to indicate that a transfer agreement has been reached, after which the clubs are handed an additional two hours to complete the remaining paperwork.
What are the Premier League squad list rules?
Teams in England can make changes to their Premier League squad list throughout January, with no restrictions to additions outside the limit of a maximum 25 over-21 first-team players, of whom a minimum of eight must be homegrown.
In this instance, homegrown is defined as someone of any nationality who was 21 or older on 1 January 2023 and spent a total of three years registered to an English or Welsh club before the end of the season in which he turned 21.
Coaches can supplement the squad with any number of under-21 players (born on or after 1 January 2002) whatever their country of birth.
When does the WSL transfer window close?
The Women’s Super League transfer window runs at a similar time to the men’s game in England but closes a day earlier on Wednesday 31 January at 11pm in the UK.
Chelsea transfers: January 2024
Dujuan Richards officially joined Chelsea this month. The Jamaica international signed with the Blues in the summer but couldn’t finalise the switch until after his 18th birthday.
Loan deals have otherwise been the focus of the winter transfer window for the men’s team. Andrey Santos, Cesare Casadei, and Diego Moreira all returned to Stamford Bridge this month after their spells with Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, and Lyon were ended.
David Fofana, meanwhile, was recalled from his loan at Bundesliga side Union Berlin and joined Premier League side Burnley for the remainder of the campaign.
Ian Maatsen signed a new contract with Chelsea this month and joined Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the season. Alex Matos, who made his first-team debut in October, moved out on loan to Huddersfield.
There was also a Football League loan secured by goalkeeper Jamie Cumming, who has joined Oxford United until the summer.
Permanent signings have been made by the women’s team. Nathalie Bjorn joined the Blues from Everton while Colombian international Mayra Ramirez completed a switch from Spanish side Levante.
Nicky Evrard was also recalled from his loan at Brighton and Hove Albion after suffering an injury while on international duty with Belgium.
‘Chelsea Supporters Group’ can also be found on X and Facebook
