As we head into the last few hours of the 2025 summer transfer window, after what has been (especially in the English Premier League), one of the most exciting for years, several clubs are scrambling to get deals over the line in time.
From Alexander Isak (and possibly Marc Guehi) going to Crystal Palace, Newcastle United making moves and probably numerous others, these transfers cannot be completed until a number of boxes have been ticked.
Of course, players needing to pass a medical is important, however, there is the small matter of a crucial document that needs to be completed as well. This is called the deal sheet and making sure that this is filled in properly and submitted prior to the deadline is imperative.
This document has to be submitted to the official and appropriate league authorities (Premier League), to confirm that both parties have reached an agreement about the player in question.
It essentially acts as proof that all of the major factors of the transfer have been agreed on – even if there are some minor elements that are still outstanding. Also – a deal sheet can give clubs extra time to get deals completed (often two more hours) – after the transfer window officially closes.
The Details Of A Deal Sheet
These can only be used in the last two hours leading up to the closing of the transfer window and can – and have been – significant tools to get transfers completed at the ‘last minute’.
A deal sheet is important because without these being completed, a transfer cannot go through, regardless of how far negotiations have progressed, while the system assists in preventing administrative failures or technical delays. This is especially the case for more complex deals – usually for transfers where there are big fees involved.
There are a number of details that are included in a deal sheet. These are the names of the buying and selling clubs, the player’s details included in the transfer, the time and date of when the deal was reached as well as the fee and how this is broken down.
For international transfers, meanwhile, clubs are still required to meet the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS) deadline, which is key for global oversight and clarity. In this case, the buying club needs to upload and submit all details into FIFA’s system and both clubs must confirm this data before midnight of transfer deadline day.
Notable Examples
There are many instances where late transfers have gone through over the years, though even some where they haven’t, due to technical complications.
One particularly high profile failure was when David De Gea almost moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid, however the deal sheet wasn’t submitted on time.
Meanwhile, one of the most dramatic last-minute transfers was when Enzo Fernandez completed his British record move to Chelsea from Benfica on transfer deadline day.