How to follow Transfer Deadline Day on the BBC
August 28, 2026 09:12
The summer transfer window is closing for Premier League and EFL clubs at 23:00 BST on Tuesday, triggering a final rush of potential deals and late activity. The BBC has set up comprehensive coverage across its website, apps and radio services to track updates, analysis and reaction through the day and into the early hours after the window shuts.
There are several high-profile situations still unresolved, with multiple players publicly linked to moves and clubs named as interested parties. The source also notes this summer’s spending has approached historic levels and could yet set a new record by the deadline — a possibility rather than a certainty.
KEY CONTEXT
- Premier League and EFL sides must complete permanent and loan transfers before the 23:00 BST deadline, but there is a procedural route for paperwork to be finalised shortly after the deadline if a deal sheet is lodged with the Premier League by 21:00 BST; that can grant an extra two hours with the league’s approval.
- Once the window closes, clubs are required to submit squad lists to the Premier League. While no formal public date for that squad deadline is published, it is understood to be roughly a week after the transfer window ends.
- Squad registration rules limit senior squads to 25 players over the age of 21, with a maximum of 17 senior players who are not classed as locally trained.
WHY IT MATTERS
- The deadline finalises squads for the first half of the season and can reshape club plans both on and off the pitch. Last-minute moves can have immediate tactical and financial consequences, especially given the level of spending reported this summer.
- Clubs and fans rely on rapid, accurate updates during the final hours; the BBC’s live text, video and radio coverage aims to consolidate breaking news, expert analysis and local perspectives as deals are confirmed or fall apart.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether overall summer transfer spending exceeds previous records before the window shuts — the source presents this as a possibility to be decided by Tuesday night.
- Which of the named transfer links result in completed moves: Jack Grealish (reported interest from Everton and Aston Villa, and Everton reported confident about a loan), a possible Richarlison–Iliman Ndiaye swap involving Everton and Tottenham, Julian Alvarez (linked with Arsenal and Barcelona), Cody Gakpo (linked with Tottenham and Manchester City), potential Liverpool targets Bradley Barcola and Ismaila Sarr, and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez (linked with a reunion with manager Enzo Maresca at City). The source also says Xabi Alonso’s side are looking at Lamine Camara.
- The handling of late paperwork: whether clubs submit deal sheets by 21:00 BST to allow extra time, and the subsequent squad lists to the Premier League about a week after the window closes.
KEY FACTS
- Premier League and EFL transfer window closes at 23:00 BST on Tuesday.
- Clubs can submit a deal sheet to the Premier League by 21:00 BST to seek up to two extra hours after the deadline to complete paperwork.
- BBC Sport will run a dedicated Transfer Deadline Day live page from 07:00 BST and provide EFL-specific live coverage; Radio 5 Live will carry updates during Around-the-Grounds from 20:00 BST.
- Squad lists must be submitted after the window closes; no official public deadline is published, but it is understood to be about a week later.
- Senior squad limits: maximum 25 players over 21, and up to 17 senior players not classed as locally trained.