Transfers
How Football Transfer Windows Work
A transfer window is a registration period during which clubs can register new players. Most countries have two each season — a longer one between seasons and a shorter one mid-season — set by national associations within FIFA's rules.
What a window is
Under FIFA's regulations on the status and transfer of players, each national association sets registration periods for its leagues. Outside those periods, clubs generally cannot register newly signed players, though rules on exceptions differ between countries. Window dates differ between countries, so a player can sometimes move to a league whose window is still open after another has closed.
Malaysian competitions follow registration periods set by the national association and league. Explore Malaysia football
Types of transfer
| Type | What happens |
|---|---|
| Permanent transfer | A player's registration moves to a new club, usually for a fee, and the player signs a new contract. |
| Loan | A player joins another club for a set period, then returns. Some loans include an option or obligation to buy. |
| Free transfer | A player whose contract has ended joins a new club without a transfer fee. |
| Free agent signing | A player without a club; some leagues allow these signings outside the window. |
Fees and add-ons
Reported fees often combine a fixed amount with add-ons tied to appearances or achievements, and may be paid in instalments. Some deals include a sell-on clause giving the original club a share of a future fee. Because details are often confidential, reported figures can differ between sources.
Reading transfer news
- Confirmed transfers are announced by the clubs involved.
- Reports and rumours are unconfirmed; treat them with caution.
- Score8 does not publish unverified transfer rumours as fact. See the editorial policy.