This children’s article, Premier League deadline day: Big money, big moves!, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about football transfers, and discover how clubs build their teams. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
What is deadline day?
Deadline day is the last day of the football “transfer window,” the time when clubs are allowed to buy, sell, or loan players. When the clock struck 7 pm on September 1st, no more deals could be made until the window opened again. That’s why this day is so exciting, with clubs often rushing to finish last-minute deals.
The transfer window exists to keep football fair and organised. If clubs could buy new players whenever they wanted, rich teams might swap squads every week. With a set window, everyone has an equal opportunity to build their teams.
The record-breaking transfers
This summer’s deadline day smashed records. The biggest move was Alexander Isak, who left Newcastle United for Liverpool in a huge £125 million deal — the most ever paid for a British transfer. Earlier in the window, Liverpool also signed Florian Wirtz for £116 million, which briefly held the record until Isak’s arrival.
Other big news included Jadon Sancho, who left Manchester United to join Aston Villa on loan, meaning Villa can use him for the season without buying him permanently. Newcastle quickly replaced Isak by signing Yoane Wissa from Brentford for £55 million. You can see all of the transfers made on the BBC website.
What happens next?
Now that the window has closed, teams must stick with the squads they’ve built. No new players can be bought or sold until January, when the winter transfer window opens for a short time.
That means managers have to work with what they’ve got, making deadline day a thrilling mix of joy and disappointment. Fans can now start dreaming about how their new players will perform for the rest of the season.
Article vocabulary list
- Transfer window: A set time when clubs can buy, sell, or loan players.
- Deadline day: The final day of the transfer window.
- Record transfer: The most money ever paid for a player.
- Loan: When a player temporarily joins another club without being permanently sold.
- Deal: An agreement between two clubs about a player.
- Squad: The group of players registered to play for a team.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What is deadline day?
A) The first day of the football season
B) The last day clubs can buy or sell players
C) The day teams play their biggest rival
Answer: B) The last day clubs can buy or sell players
2. Why does football have a transfer window?
A) To make sure clubs can change players whenever they like
B) To keep football fair and organised
C) To make games shorter
Answer: B) To keep football fair and organised
3. Which player set a new British record transfer to Liverpool for £125 million?
A) Alexander Isak
B) Florian Wirtz
C) Jadon Sancho
Answer: A) Alexander Isak
4. Which player joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United?
A) Yoane Wissa
B) Alexander Isak
C) Jadon Sancho
Answer: C) Jadon Sancho
5. When will the next transfer window open?
A) December
B) January
C) June
Answer: B) January
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
