The summer transfer window for the Premier League has been officially confirmed, but this year brings a unique twist. Unlike previous seasons, the 2025 window will operate in two separate phases due to the revamped FIFA Club World Cup.
This scheduling change means clubs must navigate an adjusted timeline for signings, with the window closing and reopening before the new Premier League campaign kicks off.
In this guide, we break down all the important dates, explain the impact of the Club World Cup, and discuss potential high-profile transfers, including Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s rumored move to Real Madrid.
When Does the Premier League Summer Transfer Window Open and Close?
The Premier League‘s summer transfer window for 2025 will operate differently from previous seasons due to the FIFA Club World Cup. Here’s how it will work:
Opening Phase: The window officially opens on Sunday, June 1, 2025, one day after the UEFA Champions League final in Munich.
Temporary Closure: The window will close briefly on Tuesday, June 10, following an “exceptional registration period” linked to the Club World Cup, which begins on June 15.
Reopening Phase: The transfer window will reopen on Monday, June 16, allowing clubs to make further signings.
Final Deadline: The window will close again on Monday, September 1, two weeks after the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
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This revised schedule allows Premier League clubs to finalize squad improvements while also accommodating the Club World Cup.
Key Transfer Window Dates
How the Club World Cup Affects Transfers
The FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025. This tournament’s introduction has led to the unusual split in the transfer window.
Chelsea and Manchester City will represent the Premier League, and a successful campaign could see them earn up to £97 million in prize money.
The tournament’s timing means these clubs will need to act swiftly to register new players before it begins.
Teams competing in the Club World Cup will have an additional registration window between June 27 and July 3, where they can add a maximum of two new players. This rule could play a significant role in mid-tournament transfers.
Club World Cup: Chelsea and Manchester City’s Groups
Chelsea (Group D): Flamengo, Esperance de Tunis, and one additional team yet to be confirmed after Club León’s removal due to multi-club ownership regulations.
Manchester City (Group G): Wydad AC, Al Ain, and Juventus.
These matchups will be crucial in shaping their tournament journey and could impact their league preparations.
When Does the 2025/26 Premier League Season Start?
The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The extended transfer window means clubs will still be able to sign players during the first two weeks of the season, an advantage for teams looking to make last-minute reinforcements.
Additionally, the first international break of the season for World Cup qualifying will take place on September 1, coinciding with the final day of the transfer window.
Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid?
One of the biggest potential transfers of the summer involves Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The English full-back’s contract with Liverpool expires on June 30, 2025, and reports suggest Real Madrid are keen on securing his signature before the Club World Cup begins.
Madrid are set to face Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal on June 18 in Miami, and Carlo Ancelotti’s side is reportedly eager to finalize a deal for Alexander-Arnold in time for the tournament.
If a transfer is not completed by then, Madrid could still register him between June 27 and July 3, the special period set aside by FIFA for Club World Cup teams to add up to two new players.
Liverpool may also see other high-profile departures, with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah also out of contract this summer.
Impact of Transfer Window Changes on Clubs
The new transfer window structure presents both opportunities and challenges for Premier League clubs:
Advantages:
Clubs participating in the Club World Cup can strengthen their squads ahead of the tournament.
The second phase of the window (June 16–September 1) allows more flexibility for clubs needing adjustments after the pre-season period.
The window remains open for two weeks after the season starts, helping teams react to early performances.
Challenges:
Premier League clubs will need to finalize some transfers earlier due to the June 10 deadline before the Club World Cup.
Teams involved in the tournament could struggle with squad rotation, fatigue, and player availability.
Last-minute deals in the second phase may face increased competition, particularly if clubs delay key signings.
The 2025 Premier League summer transfer window comes with an unusual format, requiring clubs to navigate two separate registration periods while managing their pre-season preparations.
The FIFA Club World Cup adds further complexity, particularly for Chelsea and Manchester City.
High-profile transfers, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential move to Real Madrid, could be affected by these changes, while other major deals may be finalized before or even during the Club World Cup.
With the Premier League season starting on August 16 and the window closing on September 1, fans can expect plenty of excitement, late moves, and possibly some surprising last-minute deals. Stay tuned as clubs gear up for a busy and strategic summer transfer period.
