Apologies if this's already been answered somewhere, but, how has this been completed if the UK and Spanish transfer windows 'slammed shut' several weeks ago?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41407378" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

He can't play for Athletic until Jan 1st as they are subject to a transfer ban - but this seems to have been completed today. Has he bought out his contract so as to be declared a free agent, and therefore he's not technically transferred from another club or something?

Pre-contract agreement or something. Haven't Chelsea 'signed' a player a year in advance?

Just because the window is shut, doesn't mean transfers can't still happen.


Barca did it during their transfer ban, signed 2 players who couldn't be registered until the January.

Chelsea will just be glad the whole affair is at an end,Costa is past his peak anyway.

tiger76 wrote:Chelsea will just be glad the whole affair is at an end,Costa is past his peak anyway.

He's 28, not 38.