The transfer market, a crucial element for football fans during the off-season, operates with its own rhythms and cycles. This dynamic could explain the apparent calm that has been felt in recent days. Since July 13, only ten transfers with a value exceeding 30 million euros have been finalized. It is important to consider that some of these agreements, such as Estêvão from Palmeiras to Chelsea, were closed after the conclusion of the Club World Cup, despite having been agreed upon previously. Also, Juventus made official the acquisition of Francisco Conceição from FC Porto, an operation that was already anticipated due to previous agreements.
The Transfer Market Flow
Traditionally, the transfer market shows a clear trend. It starts with a period of high activity after its opening on June 16, followed by a second boost at the beginning of July. This dynamic is due to the fact that clubs usually start negotiations in the spring and, if they reach an agreement, seek to close the transfers as soon as the window opens. This is especially relevant for those clubs whose fiscal year ends on June 30. The second push in July involves free agents and transfers that are postponed to the next fiscal period, creating a domino effect that triggers new operations.The Calm Before the Storm
After this period of activity, the market tends to stabilize temporarily. Clubs resume training and focus on evaluating their squads. The urgency decreases, as there are still several weeks until the market closes. Although coaches seek to close signings in advance, the reality is that quality and the best conditions are often prioritized, which can lead to waiting until the last moment. Market activity intensifies significantly in the second half of August, as the September 1st deadline approaches, after which options are considerably reduced.
