The transfer loophole that could allow Sunderland to sign new players after Friday's deadline

Sunderland are looking to add to their squad before Friday’s transfer deadline – but a loophole in the EFL regulations could allow them to recruit players after that point.
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Phil Parkinson is thought to be prioritising defenders as he bids to recruit some additional depth, after injuries and suspensions saw his options depleted.

But the clock may not be ticking as quickly as first feared – thanks to the loophole in the EFL rules.

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We take a look at everything you need to know ahead of Friday’s deadline:

The transfer loophole that could allow Sunderland to sign new players after Friday's deadlineThe transfer loophole that could allow Sunderland to sign new players after Friday's deadline
The transfer loophole that could allow Sunderland to sign new players after Friday's deadline

When does the 2020/21 summer transfer window close?

The summer transfer window will close at 5pm on Friday, October 16.

Sunderland have already seen the international transfer window close on October 5.

What deals will Sunderland have to complete by this point?

Any deal involving a player already registered at another club will have to be concluded by this deadline.

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That means Phil Parkinson will have to wrap-up any loan deals he wishes to pursue by this point, or any deals which may include the Black Cats purchasing a player for a fee.

Outgoing deals to domestic clubs will also have to be concluded by 5pm on Friday – but players could still leave provided the window of any potential buyers remains open.

When do Sunderland have to submit their finalised squad list to the EFL?

As part of the salary cap regulations, Sunderland now need to submit a 22-man squad list to the EFL for monitoring purposes.

Under-21 players do not need to be included in this list, but any members of the squad who Phil Parkinson plans to use must be named on this list.

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EFL regulations state this must be submitted within 24 hours of the window closing, or on any other date dictated by the EFL. Given the fact the deadline falls on Friday, it’s likely clubs will have until the start of next week to submit their lists.

This squad list is then locked-in and is tricky to change – but not impossible...

Can any players be signed after this deadline?

Yes, thanks to that handy little loophole we mentioned.

The EFL rules state that players can only be added to squad lists after the deadline in ‘truly exceptional circumstances’ – with one notable caveat.

Guidance issued to clubs states that the EFL will consider making changes to a squad list outside a transfer window in a situation where ‘The Club’s current Squad List contains less than the maximum number of Players permitted to be included on the Squad List and the Club wishes to add an Out of Registration Player or another Player registered with the Club but not currently included on the Squad List’

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So put in simple terms, Sunderland will be able to sign a free agent after the window closes and register them to play in League One – provided they have not already registered 22 players.

When must Sunderland sign players by in order for them to be eligible to face Swindon Town?

Any incomings will need to be approved by midday on Friday in order for the players concerned to feature against Swindon Town on Saturday.

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