Transfer Deadline Day is a one of the most important dates on the football calendar for supporters as clubs up and down the country look to make late additions to bolster their squads.
Transfer negotiations can go to the wire on Deadline Day as the final details are thrashed out to complete last minute deals.
Some transfers only go through at the final hour, with deal sheets allowing clubs to confirm a deal has been done prior to the deadline but that extra time is required to submit full documentation.
We take a look at how transfer deal sheets work and how they are utilised by football clubs on Deadline Day.
When does the transfer window close?
The 2026 winter transfer window officially closes at 19:00 GMT on Monday 2nd February, and 23:00 in Scotland.
What is a deal sheet?
A deal sheet is a document that allows clubs to confirm that a transfer deal has been reached but that extra time is needed to submit the remaining paperwork.
How much time does a deal sheet add on?
Transfer deal sheets can only be used following 17:00 and need to be completed prior to the 19:00 deadline.
Once deal sheets are submitted, clubs have a further two hours to complete full documentation before 21:00.
Can you submit deal sheets for international transfers?
If a club is trying to sign a player from abroad, they will need to also meet the FIFA matching system deadline in order to get international clearance.
This is an online system that makes the international transfer of players quicker, smoother and more transparent between the two clubs.
The buying club have to upload all the information to the system, and the international club also has to match the details before midnight.
