How a Bundesliga transfer works
Cologne - When a player moves clubs, signing on the dotted line is only a fraction of an altogether more complicated process in Germany's top flight.
bundesliga.com finds out exactly what has to happen before any transfer can be formally completed...
1. Contact
An agreement is reached between the player in question and his new club.
2. Paperwork
The club then sends a request via email or fax to the German Football League (DFL) for the player to be added to the official transfer list. The player and his current club must sign this form.
3. Submission
The forms are examined by the players’ department of the DFL.
4. Registration
If all the requirements have been fulfilled, the player is added to the DFL’s player database.
5. Condition
The transfer can only be finalised once the player is added to the official transfer list.
6. Publication
The transfer list is made available on bundesliga.com.
7. Tying the loose ends
After the player has been added to the transfer list, all documents pertaining to the contract with his new club are submitted by that club to the DFL.
8. Data check
The players’ department of the DFL ensures the documents are complete and correct.
9. Completion
If the contractual documents meet the necessary criteria, they are added to the DFL’s player database.
10. Approval
Once the player has been added by the DFL to his new club’s list of eligible players, he is allowed to play for the club.
11. Confirmation
The updated list of eligible players is then sent to the player’s new club for their records.
12. In the squad
Before his first appearance, the player is included in the matchday squad, which is published online by the match officials and the two clubs.
13. Notification
The German Football Association (DFB) are informed of the player’s eligibility.
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