The 2025 summer transfer window has changed with a surprise opening and mid-June closure leading to Liverpool losing Trent Alexander-Arnold early
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Detailed image of the Premier League Logo & branding during the Premier League International Cup Final between Crystal Palace FC U21 and Jong PSV U21 at Selhurst Park on May 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
The Premier League summer transfer window has undergone changes(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
The 2025 summer transfer window has been split into two, due to the expanded Club World Cup taking place this summer in the United States.
Fans may have been puzzled to see the window seemingly open early on Sunday, June 1 — and even more confused to learn it will close just nine days later. But the ECHO has clarified the reasons behind the change.
To accommodate the new FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 15, a short transfer window has been created to allow clubs to register players ahead of the tournament. This mini window runs from Sunday, June 1, to Tuesday, June 10, and applies to all clubs — not just the tournament’s participants like Chelsea and Manchester City.
Once the mini window closes, the main summer transfer window will reopen on Monday, June 16, and will run until Deadline Day on Monday, September 1.
The unusual six-day closure between windows exists due to a Premier League regulation stating the window must open “at midnight on the date 12 weeks prior to the date on which it is to conclude.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold poses during Liverpool's celebrations with the Premier League trophy
Trent Alexander-Arnold could play his first game for Real Madrid later this month due to the mini summer window
There’s also a change to the traditional Deadline Day. The closing time has moved from 11pm to 7pm, though clubs will still be granted a two-hour grace period if their paperwork is submitted by the deadline.
These updates — designed to reflect the demands of the Club World Cup — have been agreed upon by the Premier League, EFL, and FA. Similar changes are expected across several European leagues.
A high-profile example of the mini window’s impact is Real Madrid’s attempt to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of the tournament. The Liverpool defender’s contract expired on June 30, but the mini window offered Madrid a chance to complete the move early.
The 2026 winter window is expected to open from January 1 to February 2, though the exact closing time is still to be confirmed.