Jupiler Pro League: Winter Transfer Deadline Day – 1:36 Video

The winter transfer window across several top European football leagues officially closed on Monday, February 2, 2026, though some clubs in the Belgian Pro League may still be able to process outgoing transfers. The period, crucial for teams to adjust their squads ahead of the remainder of the 2025-26 season and with an eye towards the 2026 World Cup kicking off in June, saw varying levels of activity.

Belgian Pro League Activity

The Belgian Pro League, encompassing the Jupiler Pro League, Lotto Super League, Challenger Pro League, and Croky Cup, saw a number of moves finalized before the deadline. RSC Anderlecht was particularly active, bringing in Justin Heekeren from Schalke 04 for €0.5M, Danylo Sikan from Trabzonspor for €4M, Moussa Diarra from Deportivo Alavés, and Coba da Costa from Getafe. However, they also saw several players depart, including Cedric Hatenboer to Telstar, Mads Kikkenborg to Mölde for €0.4M, Luis Vazquez to Getafe, Yasin Ozcan returning to Aston Villa, Moussa N’Diaye to Schalke 04, and Nilson Angulo to Sunderland for €17M. Majeed Ashimeru went on loan to La Louvière.

Antwerp FC added Rein Van Helden from STVV for €1.5M, while Rosen Bozhinov moved to Pisa for €5M. Cercle Brugge secured Dante Vanzeir from KAA Gent, Geoffrey Kondo from Dunkerque for €2.5M, and Charles Herrmann from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Departures from Cercle Brugge included Alan Minda to Atletico Mineiro for €9M, Edgaras Utkus to Al-Kholood Club for €1.2M, Dalanguyanpole Gomis to FC Sochaux, and Alama Bayo on loan to KSC Lokeren. Alexandre Stanic left Charleroi for Lierse, and Raymond Asante went to Patro Eisden.

Several players across the league are facing expiring contracts, including Yari Verschaeren, Mats Rits, Thorgan Hazard, Joachim Imbrechts, and Mihaljo Ilic at Anderlecht; Yannick Thoelen, Dennis Praet, Bjorn Engels, Glenn Bijl, Vincent Janssen, and Gyrano Kerk at Antwerp FC; Hannes Van der Brugge, Pieter Gerkens, Edgaras Utkus, Warleson, Nils De Wilde, Edan Diop, Oumar Diakité, Oluwaseun Adewumi, Bas Langenbick, and Valy Kounaté at Cercle Brugge.

European Deadline Day – A Quieter Window

Across the broader European landscape, Monday, February 2nd marked the end of the winter transfer window for the major leagues. Reports indicate this window was less dramatic than some previous periods, with a relative “sea of calm” compared to the often frantic last-minute activity. While the window didn’t see a huge volume of major moves, clubs still had the opportunity to shape their squads for the remainder of the season.

Specific closing times varied by league: Serie A, the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 all closed at 2 p.m. ET, while LaLiga remained open until 11:59 p.m. ET and the Scottish Premiership also closed at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Free Agents and Loans

The closure of the main transfer window doesn’t entirely halt player movement. Free agents still have time to agree to terms with new clubs, but teams must submit their lists before February 5th for players to be eligible for the second half of the 2025-26 season. Loan deals operate under similar rules to permanent transfers. The English Premier League allows teams a maximum of two domestic loans and four loans overall during a season.

Ricardo Pepi’s Move Falls Through

USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi experienced a frustrating deadline day, with a potential move to Fulham falling through after PSV Eindhoven were unable to secure a replacement player before the window closed. Pepi will remain at the Dutch club at least until the end of the season.

Benzema’s Transfer a Highlight of January

While the recent window was relatively quiet, the transfer of Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabia earlier in January was highlighted as one of the biggest moves of the period. This suggests a continuing trend of high-profile players moving to the Saudi Pro League.

The Pro League’s official YouTube channel continues to provide updates and coverage of the league’s activities, offering fans a direct source of information on player movements and match highlights.