The transfer window is closed: how last-minute deals really work.

According to The Sun: In football, it’s hard to find a better moment than transfer deadline day, and this summer it has arrived again!

Teams from all over the country tried to secure last-minute deals with clubs that don’t always want to let their players go.

Piero Hincapie is linked with a move to Arsenal, but the deal didn’t happen

Despite numerous rumors, some significant transfers remained unconfirmed or undisclosed.

The 7:00 PM BST deadline has already passed, and you’ve probably heard a lot of talk about deals and fax machines. But what does it really take to complete transfers in modern football?

How do clubs initiate the transfer process?

When clubs establish contact and reach an agreement, all necessary paperwork must be sent to Premier League officials.

After this, the documents are checked to ensure all requirements for confirming the deal have been met.

Documents that need to be submitted to the Premier League or EFL include:

• Player contract
• Transfer agreement between the respective clubs
• Work permit in the UK (if required)
• International clearance

Before the transfer deadline day, the Premier League contacts all 20 clubs to find out if they plan any last-minute transfers.

Deals are usually made between representatives of both clubs, after which the documentation is sent for final approval.

To avoid delays, managers ensure that their staff works throughout the night to ensure the deadline day goes smoothly.

What is a deal sheet?

Some transfers drag into the final hours of the window and may require a deal sheet to be used.

A deal sheet can be submitted to Premier League officials during the last hours of the window, and if the paperwork is sent before the deadline, the deal can be completed after the window closes.

This sheet allows for documentation submission to be extended by two hours, providing clubs that have struck a deal last-minute additional time for approval.

Any club can submit a deal sheet by 7:00 PM, but not later.

Once the sheet is received, clubs have another two hours after the deadline to submit the relevant documents and finalize the deal.

The situation becomes more complicated for international transfers.

In addition to all the aforementioned requirements, buying clubs and selling clubs must register the deal in FIFA’s Transfer Matching System (TMS).

The buying club submits its details into the system, as does the selling club, after which FIFA verifies everything meets the requirements.

Are fax machines still used?

Every transfer deadline day comes with the joke that the deal didn’t go through due to a faulty fax machine.

The situation has become more modern.

Although fax machines are no longer used, clubs have the option to send documents via email, using faxes or scanned copies.

The transfer season is always filled with intrigue and surprises, and although the deadline for closures has passed, discussions about future deals continue. Clubs keep working on improving their strategies while bringing in new talent and strengthening their squads. All summer, fans have had the chance to follow the exciting changes within teams.