How Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs can still complete transfers after deadline with deal sheet rule

1 day ago 5

Need to know

Premier League clubs can submit a deal sheet in the final two hours of the transfer window to gain an additional two-hour extension

The transfer deadline for Premier League clubs is 7pm

Everything you need to know about transfer deal sheets as the January transfer window closes on Monday....

A "grace period" for documentation: The deal sheet is an official document that confirms a transfer agreement has been struck between two clubs ahead of the deadline. It functions as a temporary measure, allowing teams additional time to file the comprehensive final documentation needed to register a player.
Strict time limits: Clubs are only permitted to submit a deal sheet during the final two hours of the transfer window. If the deadline falls at 11pm, for instance, the form cannot be lodged before 9pm, but must be fully completed and received by the league before the window officially closes.
The two-hour extension: Once a deal sheet is successfully lodged and approved, the clubs are awarded an extra two hours beyond the deadline to wrap up the outstanding details. This extension can prove vital for completing intricate tasks such as medical tests or finalising contractual terms that may be running late.
Evidence of agreement: The sheet must clearly state that negotiations for the transfer or loan have been concluded between the purchasing club, the selling club, and the player. It acts as proof to the league authorities that the hold-up is purely procedural and not because the parties are still negotiating terms, reports the Mirror.
Necessary financial information: Despite its brevity, the form must contain specific details such as the player's name and the total transfer fee. It also necessitates a breakdown of "guaranteed sums" to confirm that the fundamental financial framework of the move is firmly established.
Not a legally binding agreement: The document itself carries a disclaimer stating it does not form a legally binding contract between the parties involved. Its main function is to inform the league of the intention to finalise the move, while the actual transfer hinges on the subsequent submission of the complete legal documents.
Limitations on international transfers: The two-hour extension typically applies solely to domestic transfers within the same league system, like the Premier League or the EFL. For international transfers, clubs must still adhere to the "FIFA Transfer Matching System" deadline, which often doesn't provide the same level of flexibility.
Avoiding eleventh-hour failures: This system was implemented to prevent high-profile transfers from falling through due to technical issues such as slow internet speeds. By offering a "safety net," it ensures that deals agreed in good faith can be finalised even if time runs out for the final paperwork.