Confused

[Robert Barnes 20]

The transfer window opens Jan 1 right. So how come transfers and deals can be made before this date I don''t understand can someone please explain

[A Load of Squit 6,260]

Pre contract agreement.

[Crafty Canary 547]

For players currently without a club they can be done at anytime.

For players currently contracted the deals can be done but don''t become effective until the window opens. So although Southampton have agreed a deal with Liverpool for Van Dijk and the player has agreed terms he is still a Southampton player until January 1st.

[Iwans Big Toe 382]

Transfers can be agreed at any point throughout the season, but players can only move clubs during the transfer window. So for insrance Southampton and Liverpool could have come to an agreement about a transfer fee on the 2nd of September, Van Djik could have agreed terms the next day but he would have to have remained a Southampton player until his registration was transfered to Liverpool and the earliest that could be possible is January 1st. This is essentially what has happend.