Deadline Day Transfers. How do they happen?

Deadline Day marks the end of each of the Footballing transfer windows. Clubs frantically try and secure or sell players before the late deadline but what does it take to get a Deadline Day transfer over the line?

Image: Sky Sports

Before we take a look at a hypothetical Deadline Day transfer. First of all, what is a transfer? A transfer is when a player moves from one club to another either for a fee or for free. Seems simple. Right? No, it only gets more complicated.

Clubs must negotiate a fee for the player and come to an agreement. This can range from a few thousand to over a hundred million. Sounds easy? Wrong! The selling club often drives a hard bargain and looks to get as much as they can out of the deal. This can be a long-winded process, especially when you are in a rush.

Once the fee is agreed, it’s time for the player and agent to negotiate the terms of the contract. Contracts can be worth eye-watering figures riddled with bonuses, clauses, image rights deals, signing on fees as well as agents commission. Never forget the middleman. In this stage, arrangements are made for housing, language lessons and work permits. Transfers translate to relocation which can be a big move and extremely tough for the player and his family.

Fee negotiations, contracts and failure to agree personal terms are the most common causes of transfer breakdowns. As well as the next part of a transfer. The Medical.

Swiftly, the player is transported to the clubs training ground or to a suitable facility for a medical and further tests. Medicals are intense and are vital in assessing the player’s general health, proneness to injury and if they have any underlying health conditions. You’ve got to test before you buy!

If all is well, the player is whisked away for interviews, photos, shirt signings and is welcomed to his new club. As this happens, directors, lawyers, agents and officials all tear their hair out desperately ensuring that a deal sheet, complete with the transfer details is submitted, so that the full paperwork can be sent later, within two hours. The player must also be registered with his new club before the deadline.

A sample Deal Sheet. Image: Premier League

As the announcement echoes in the media and fans rejoice, hopeful that their new signing isn’t a flop. Everyone shakes hands and wipes the sweat away, celebrating the signing they completed on Deadline Day.

There you have it, an insight into the behind the scenes of a football transfer. A lot happens between the Here We Go and the official announcement which is often overlooked. One thing is for sure, not much beats the buzz of Deadline Day.