Players can only be registered with a new club during set periods called transfer windows. Loans let clubs send players elsewhere temporarily. Here is how both work.
Registration periods
FIFA's transfer rules allow each national association two registration periods a year. The first, usually between seasons, can last up to 12 weeks; the second, mid-season, up to four weeks. Each association sets its own dates, which is why the windows in South Africa, Egypt or Morocco differ from those in England or France. A player can sign a contract at any time but can only be registered to play when a window is open, with limited exceptions such as free agents in some countries.
Transfers and free transfers
A transfer happens when a player under contract moves to another club, usually for a fee. When a contract has expired, the player can move for free, although training compensation may still be due if the player is young; see training compensation.
What is a loan?
A loan is a temporary transfer: the player joins another club for a set period and then returns to the original club, unless the agreement includes an option or obligation to buy. Loans help young players gain experience and let clubs reduce wage bills.
FIFA's loan rules
Since July 2022 FIFA has limited international loans to stop clubs stockpiling players. A loan must last at least from one registration period to the next and no more than one year, and sub-loans to a third club are not allowed. The number of international loans a club can make in and out was capped, falling to six per season from 2024–25; club-trained players and players aged 21 or younger are exempt from the cap.
Transfers on SSFA Online
Our transfers page lists moves recorded for African players, including loans, which appear as separate club spells. You can browse by year, for example African transfers in 2026, or by nation, such as Nigerian player transfers.