The Athletic FC Podcast Anatomy of a Transfer: Your Questions Answered
Feb 1, 2026
Simon Leaf and Tom Murray, co-founders of Three Points Law and sports lawyers who handle transfer legalities. They unpack why transfer fees exist, how sell-on clauses and payment schedules work, and the strange world of exotic contract terms. Short, sharp and full of legal colour on confidentiality, loans with options and how clubs navigate bargain power.
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Why Transfers Take So Long
- Transfers often drag because of circumstance, due diligence and competing global interest.
- Clubs prefer to take time to avoid mistakes rather than rush deals into regret.
Judge Value By Squad Impact
- Evaluate a signing by its impact on your squad, not just the headline fee.
- If a player improves the team and helps reach higher targets, the transfer becomes good value.
MLS Calendar Shift Eases Sales
- MLS switching its calendar to match Europe reduces the damage of selling key players mid-season.
- Aligning windows gives clubs time to reinvest after big departures.