January transfer window 2020: when the transfer window opens in Scotland, deadline day and the rules explained

With a few days to go, there's still time to finalise that all-important deal.

With the Old Firm waging a war of attrition, this January could be key. Picture: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

Scotland's managers must decide whether to stick with what they've got or twist by delving into the mid-season transfer window.

With Celtic and Rangers while embroiled in one of the tightest domestic battles in years, winter dealings could go a long way to deciding the destination of the Premier League trophy.

Jack Ross will likely try to use January to put his stamp on his Hibs team. Picture:Harriet Lander (Getty Images)

Their Edinburgh rivals have new gaffers looking to impose their vision on the team ASAP while perpetual also-rans Aberdeen will try to find a way to keep powering on.

Half the season has whizzed by and every team now has a clearer idea of where their weaknesses lie and which areas need re-enforced this January.

Here’s a quick guide to how they can go about doing so during January 2020's transfer window.

When does the transfer window open?

Hearts wonderkid Aaron Hickey could the subject of a great deal of attention come transfer time. Picture:Ian MacNicol (Getty Images)

For Scottish clubs, the January transfer window opens for business as soon as the New Year begins, on Wednesday 1 January.

The same is true for teams across the border in England, as well as for those in France, Germany and China.

Clubs in Spain and Italy delay their window by a day, with the deals beginning on Thursday 2 January instead.

For teams based in Portugal, the transfer period doesn’t begin until 3 January, while those in Russia will be waiting all the way to 22 January.

What are the rules?

First of all, players who are signed on 1 or 2 January will not be eligible to play in that week’s games.

However, after that teams are free to alter their registered squads throughout the January transfer period, meaning any other arrivals can take to the field as soon as they turn up.

The English window closes an hour earlier than the Scottish one, however deals still being hammered out when the window snaps shut can still be completed. Between 9pm and 11pm, clubs can submit the details of any ongoing negotiations using a Deal Sheet, giving them until midnight that day to get the deal finished.

After the window closes, no more transfers can be made between clubs. Previously, the Emergency Loan rule allowed sides to make loan deals outwith the transfer period to cover unexpected gaps (like serious injuries) but this was scrapped in 2016.

Free agents – players not contracted to any club – can still sign for a team at any point in the season.

When does it close?

The Scottish transfer window will close at midnight on Friday 31 January, giving clubs until the very end of the day to get their business done.

For English sides, the January transfer window slams shut at 11pm on the same day. However, as previously mentioned, they can take until midnight to wrap up any deals that have already gotten underway.

The midnight deadline holds true for teams in France, Germany, Italy and Spain. This means that the five elite divisions of European football will all call a halt to trading at the same time.

Portuguese clubs have until the end of 1 February to get their deals over the line, while the Russian window runs on until 22 February, and the Chinese one remains open until 27 February.

This is why rumours of lucrative moves to China often persist long after the European transfer season has ended.