2026 winter transfer window: all closing dates from Serie A to Saudi Arabia | OneFootball

The January session has officially begun: here is the complete schedule with closing dates and times in the main European and international leagues.

Winter Transfer Market 2026: All Closing Dates from Serie A to Saudi Arabia

With the official opening of the 2026 winter transfer market, fans, managers, and insiders enter the most intense period of the season off the field. From Friday, January 2, the January session has also started in Italy, set to last throughout the month and beyond, with negotiations, last-minute deals, and strategies linked to the economic balance of the clubs.

But when does the winter transfer market close? And most importantly: what are the differences between the various leagues? Here is a complete, updated, and optimized guide to navigate deadlines and times.

When does the winter transfer market close in Italy

In our country, the January window follows the now established calendar:

Opening: Friday, January 2, 2026

Closing: Monday, February 2, 2026

Closing time: 8:00 PM

The deadline is valid for Serie A, Serie B, and Serie C and concerns the registration of incoming contracts.

Winter Market 2026: The Big 5 Almost Aligned

The main European leagues have also chosen, for 2026, a substantial synchronization of deadlines, with only one significant exception.

Premier League (England): closes Monday, February 2 at 8:00 PM Italian time (7:00 PM local time)

Bundesliga (Germany): Monday, February 2 at 8:00 PM

Ligue 1 (France): Monday, February 2 at 8:00 PM

La Liga (Spain): Monday, February 2 at 11:00 PM

Spain remains the only major league to grant three extra hours compared to most of Europe, a detail often decisive for last-minute operations.

Attention to the Rule on Purchases and Sales

A fundamental aspect, often underestimated, concerns the distinction between purchases and sales. The closing times refer exclusively to the registration of contracts by the purchasing club.

In other words: an Italian club can sell a player even after 8:00 PM on February 2, as long as the destination league still has the market open. This is why leagues like Turkey and Saudi Arabia continue to impact European clubs' strategies even after the national market is closed.

Closing Dates and Times of the Winter Market 2026

Below is the complete summary of the main European and world leagues:

Monday, February 2, 2026, 8:00 PM – Serie A (Italy)

Monday, February 2, 2026, 8:00 PM – Bundesliga (Germany)

Monday, February 2, 2026, 8:00 PM – Ligue 1 (France)

Monday, February 2, 2026, 8:00 PM – Premier League (England)

Monday, February 2, 2026, 11:00 PM – La Liga (Spain)

Monday, February 2, 2026 – Pro League (Belgium)

Monday, February 2, 2026 – Saudi Pro League (Saudi Arabia)

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 – Liga Portugal (Portugal)

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 – Eredivisie (Netherlands)

Friday, February 6, 2026 – Super Lig (Turkey)

Saudi Arabia and Turkey: Key Factors in the European Market

In recent years, the Saudi Pro League and Turkish Super Lig have established themselves as decisive variables in the January market. Their longer deadlines allow European clubs to monetize even after the internal closure, influencing budgets, strategies, and sometimes the ability to reinvest in view of the summer session.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.