Football Transfer News – Nigerian Players, NPFL & Global Updates

    Get the latest football transfer news, from the Super Eagles abroad to NPFL transfers and big deals across Europe. Follow updates on Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and more, all in one place.

    Latest Transfer News

    See all news

    Nigerian Players Abroad

    Transfer Windows & Rules

    EPL transfer window deadlines

    The typical Premier League transfer-window dates

    The standard Premier League transfer-window dates are used in normal seasons when there are no adjustments caused by special events.

    Summer Transfer Window
    • Opens: Mid-June
      Usually around 14–15 June.
    • Closes: 31 August, at 23:00 BST.
      IIf if falls on a non-working day, the league may shift the deadline slightly.
    • Duration: Up to 12 weeks (as permitted by FIFA rules).
    Winter (January) Transfer Window
    • Opens: 1 January, at 00:01.
    • Closes: 31 January, usually at 23:00 GMT. May move n’ezi working day if it’s as non-working day.
    • Duration: 4 weeks maximum (as defined by FIFA).

    Important Notes

    1. The Premier League normally aligns its window deadlines with major European leagues (La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1).
    2. Most deviations from these standard dates happen only during major tournament disruptions and administrative choices to harmonise dates with UEFA/FIFA regulations.

    NPFL transfer window

    The NPFL announces transfer windows each season and the exact dates vary; some seasons have clear two-window schedules publicised, others are reported only in piecemeal press notices.

    Recent — 2024 / 2024–25 Season

    First (pre-season) window:
    Opened: 1 July 2024
    Closed: Early September 2024

    Mid-season window:
    Opened: 6 January
    Closed: 5 February 2025

    Current — 2025 / 2025–26 Season

    First (pre-season) window:
    This happened before the season kicked off on 22 August 2025 following the fixture draw on 28 July 2025.

    Mid-season window:
    Opens: 1 January 2026
    Closes: 30 January 2026

    CAF competitions

    Deadlines (2025/26 season)

    • CAF opened the official inter-club registration window on 1 August 2025.

    • Extended the player registration deadline to 28 February 2025.

    • Clubs were required to have their 30-man squad list registered by 10 July.

    • A complementary registration period (for additional or replacement players) could run until 20 July. After 20 July, the list became final for first-round eligibility.

    • For players coming from international transfers, the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) had to be submitted by the same July deadlines to be valid.

    Key Rules

    • The maximum squad list size is 30 players. Clubs must register all players via CAF’s online (or offline, if applicable) system before the deadline.

    • Each player must have a valid licence from his national association.

    Transfer FAQs

    When does the Premier League transfer window usually open?

    The EPL summer window typically opens in mid-June each year, usually around 14 June, subject to annual adjustment.

    When does the Premier League summer transfer window close?

    It normally closes on or around 31 August at 23:00 BST, but can shift to the next working day if the date falls on a weekend or due to alignment with Europe.

    Why does the Premier League sometimes move its transfer deadline?

    To synchronise with other major European leagues, avoid weekend/public-holiday clashes, comply with FIFA calendar changes, or adapt to exceptional circumstances (e.g., COVID-19 adjustments).

    When does the NPFL pre-season (First) transfer window open and close?

    The First Registration Window often runs from late July or early August to mid or late September, depending on the NFF/NPFL calendar for that season.

    What is the NPFL mid-season (Second) transfer window?

    It is a short registration period around January, usually lasting 2–3 weeks, allowing clubs to add or replace players during the league campaign.

    Can NPFL clubs complete international transfers at any time?

    No. International transfers must fall within NPFL windows and comply with FIFA rules, including the required International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

    When do CAF competitions open squad registration for each season?

    CAF typically opens inter-club registration on 1 August of the year the new CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup season begins.

    What is the CAF squad registration deadline?

    The standard deadline is early July for preliminary-round squads (10–20 July in past regulations), but CAF may extend deadlines—as seen in 2025, which was extended to 28 February 2025.

    How many players can clubs register for CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup?

    Each club can register up to 30 players, all uploaded through CAF’s Competition Management System (CMS).

    Can a player who has already played in CAF competitions for one club feature for another club in the same season?

    Yes. Following CAF’s 2025 rule amendment, players may now register for a new club and play again in CAF competitions—subject to compliance with registration windows and documentation.