Why Derby County can still sign players despite transfer deadline closing

The transfer window may have officially shut yesterday, but Derby County can still see some transfer activity thanks to an EFL rule.
21 February 2018......  Derby County v Leeds United 
Pride Park.  Picture Tony Johnson.21 February 2018......  Derby County v Leeds United 
Pride Park.  Picture Tony Johnson.
21 February 2018...... Derby County v Leeds United Pride Park. Picture Tony Johnson.

That means that Frank Lampard can still buy and sell players up until the end of August.

The loophole allowing clubs to bring in new players all stems from the fact that there are different transfer windows for loan deals.

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Last year, EFL clubs voted to bring the closure of the window in-line with that of Premier League clubs - meaning that the transfer window closed at 5pm on August 9.

But this was only a ‘soft’ closure - with some deals still able to be completed after this deadline.

All permanent signings must be completed by the August 9 deadline, but clubs can still sign players on standard loan deals until August 31 at 5pm.

Indeed, players who are free agents can also be signed up until the August 31 deadline, meaning Lampard will have no need to stress if he can’t bring in any new faces before the window closes.

In terms of outgoings, Derby will still be able to sell players after August 9 - providing that the buying club is still within their nation’s respective transfer window.