The summer transfer window lasts from mid-June until August 31st or September 1st for England and France every year, creating some of the most anticipated and exciting league action not found on the pitch. 

Officially called the “Registration Period” under FIFA rules, this relatively brief part of the off-season gives clubs a chance to retool – adding the talent they need to remain competitive, trading players who may be a better fit in another club’s scheme, and filling in roster slots to account for players who have retired or left for another team after playing out their contract. 

If you like to dress like your favorite player, it can be a nerve-wracking time as you wait to see if a wardrobe change is in your future, while club fans facing relegation or hoping for promotion wait to see what moves their general managers can make to take their team to the top.

The Importance of Registration Windows

The two league transfer windows–one mid-season and another between seasons–are the only time periods a team can register players from another team onto their own playing roster. 

The shorter mid-season window helps teams fine-tune their roster for a championship run, correct mistakes from the previous transfer window, and find replacements for injured personnel. 

The summer window is for strategically building a team for the next season. The right moves can fill stadiums, while the wrong transactions can leave disillusioned fans deciding to get gear from another club. 

The moves made during summer registration can point to a team’s strengths and weaknesses for the upcoming season, give a glimpse at the strategy the coaches will employ, and even lay the groundwork for a football dynasty.

Other Important Registration Window Dates

While France and England open their summer transfer windows in mid-June, other European leagues don’t begin their registration period until July 1st. While the delay might seem to leave them at a disadvantage, deals are often made internally and internationally in the days leading up to July 1st, resulting in a flurry of breaking sports news alerts once the day finally arrives. 

In addition, North American leagues, such as the MLS, have separate transfer windows that correspond to their own seasons, often with a longer winter between-season registration window and a shorter mid-season summer transfer session. 

The registration window only governs the team registering the transferee onto their squad, so there’s no rule that prevents a European league team from adding a player during the summer transfer window that is from a league with a different schedule–even if their former league is not in a current registration period.

A Fan’s-Eye-View of the Summer Transfer Window

Many fans love to show their support with the latest licensed jerseys. After you’ve poured your hard-earned money, time, tears, and passion into your fandom, the idea that your favorite player could be packing their bags for a big move can be daunting. If you want to “transfer-proof” your fandom, get gear from another team your favorite player also plays for, such as their national team or Olympic squad. 

If you’re a die-hard fan of your favorite club, the best long-term choice might be a custom jersey with a number significant to you or your own name emblazoned on it. This can help ensure that whatever moves are made by soccer front offices, you’re still ready to cheer when league play resumes.

Wherever your favorite player goes, be ready to show your support. Get professional-quality soccer gear and apparel at prices you’ll love from SoccerPro today.