Football Transfer Betting: How to Bet on Transfers
The transfer window has become one of the most exciting periods for football fans as the rumour mill goes into overdrive and players move for eye-watering sums of money.
The best online bookmakers now have football transfer betting markets available as they look to capitalise on the modern obsession with player movement. In this article, we explain how and where to bet on transfers. We also reveal our top football transfer betting tips to help you beat the bookies.
Where Can You Bet On Football Transfers?
Top football betting sites have transfer betting markets available all year round, with more markets opening up when the window opens. Some of the sites with the best range of transfer markets are BetVictor, bet365 and NetBet.
How to Place Football Transfer Bets
Football transfer betting can always be found in the football/soccer section of an online bookmaker. Head to the ‘specials’ tab within the football betting section and you'll usually find the latest transfer odds, as well as odds for managerial sackings and appointments.
If you're new to the site, you should qualify for free bets as part of a welcome offer. The main transfer markets you can bet on are covered below.
Football Transfer Betting & Manager Markets
Football transfer bets come in a few different forms. Let’s take a look at some examples:
- Player’s Club at End of Window: Bet on where a player will end up when the transfer window closes. This market usually opens when there is speculation around free agents or players who have been linked with a move away from their current club.
- Player’s Next Permanent Club: With this market, you get paid out as soon as the player seals a deal, if you have predicted the right destination. For your bet to come in, the player must sign a permanent contract and not just a loan deal.
- To Leave or Stay: This one is a simple market where you pick between two options - will the player stay at his current club, or go?
- Next Permanent Manager: Bet on the next manager of a club or country. Commonly available when a post is vacant - but bookies like Ladbrokes have odds for markets like next England manager even when the hot-seat is still occupied.
- Sack Race Betting: You can bet on the next manager to leave their post in the Premier League (whether it be through sacking or resignation) with BetVictor offering this market all season long.
Tips & Strategies for Betting on Football Transfers
Football transfer betting is risky business without a coherent strategy. In this section, we explain some useful pointers that have helped us over the years. Ultimately, you'll find that diligence is key.
Approach The Rumour Mill With Caution
At the height of the transfer window, speculation goes into overdrive. It’s important to ignore gossip from friends or baseless speculation on social media. Barely a day goes by without someone claiming to have seen a player in a town or city that can be linked to a transfer.
Remain sceptical about social media rumours, even if a post gets a lot of traction. When it comes to football transfer betting, you'll find that ignoring idle gossip will save you money.
Look For Patterns in Player Behaviour
Players often give subtle hints about their futures in interviews or on social media. While these shouldn't be taken as certainties, they can give you clues.
Additionally, consider the player's age, contract situation (e.g. how many years left, reported release clauses) and examine previous statements regarding transfers.
Keep a Close Eye on The Odds
Many bookmakers don’t really like offering odds on transfers. Why? Because they know there are people out there who know more than them. You'll often find that maximum stakes for football transfer bets are strictly limited, as bookies don’t want their pants pulled down by people ‘in-the-know’.
The other weapon in the bookmaker’s armoury is conservative pricing. Bookies offer low odds when the markets open and respond to any news leaks by slashing the odds sharply. Be aware that fluctuations in odds normally mean a move is on the way, or has potentially been called off altogether.
Compile a List of Trusted Sources
Gather a list of reliable sources for your transfer information and keep an eye on what trusted, mainstream news outlets like Sky Sports or the BBC are saying. Social media can simultaneously be the best and worst place for transfer information - but if you focus on top football journalists with the best contacts in the game like Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) - you’ll get the most accurate up-to-date information.
Also keep an eye out for local journalists who report exclusively on one specific club. They might not have a big following, but often know more than national journalists who don't just cover one club exclusively. Sometimes their smaller social followings can work to your advantage, as their stories and tweets don't alert the oddsmakers in the same way as the big-hitters.
Recommended Betting Sites
- Our Top Pick#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New Customers Only. Max one £20 Free Bet. Qualifying bets at Odds of 1/1(2.00) or greater. Paid as Bonus Token with Min 4/5(180) Odds Req. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. BeGambleAware.org. T&Cs ApplyDual Bet Site & Casino PlatformFree Bet Thursdays - Earn Free Bets Every WeekAccumulator Boosts of up to 77%not requiredBonus CodeThe code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?NoOur RatingGambling.com's rating of this betting site out of 10099Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet downNoBzeebet is relatively new but already offers everything we expect from the best online bookmakers, including features such as live betting, cash out, bet builder and accumulator boosts.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers only. £10 in real money. Bets placed on sports at odds of 2.00 ore more to qualify. Bets must be placed 24 hours within of registration. £10 free bets must be wagered on sports. Cashback is cash without restrictions. - Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers online only. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min stake on racing pools (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place) placed within 7 days of registration. Receive £30 Tote Credit and 50 Extra Spins on selected game within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the bet-slip. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. Min £10 deposit and bet on odds 1/1 or greater required. deposits via Paypal, Neteller, Pasafe, Skrill or Skrill 1-Tap will not be eligible for any free bet offer. Extra bet and bonus spins issued within 24 hours of quailfying bet being settled. Extra bet valid for 14 days, stake not returned. Bonus spins valid for 24 hours, selected games only.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. Plus Best Odds On All Premier League Matches(fixed odds Match Odds, pre-match v top 5 bookies on Oddschecker). See full details.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New Players Only. Min. $/€10 deposit and bet on odds 1/1 or greater required. Extra bets and bonus spins are issued within 24 hours of the qualifying bet being settled. Extra bet valid for 14 days, stake not returned. Bonus spins are valid for 24 hours, only available on the Book of Dead game. Terms and Conditions apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers only. Register (excl. 13/04/24) with WELCOME50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get Free Bets: £20 In-Play, £20 Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Extra Spins on Fishin’ Frenzy within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. Begambleaware.org, T&Cs apply. New reg only. Claim by placing a min deposit £10 via "My Offers" page within 30 days. Skrill/Neteller deposits excl. 7 days to stake max £10 in-play. Max. extra winnings £100.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers only, min deposit £10, wagering 40x, max bet £5 with bonus funds. Max bonus is 100% up to £100. No max cash out on deposit offers. Welcome bonus excluded for players depositing with Skrill or Neteller. Cashback is cash with no restriction. - Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock £10 Free Bet on qualification. Additional free bet from £2 to £20 awarded on eligibility on 14th June. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit. Bet The Responsible Way Full Terms apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New players only, Maximum bonus is £123, Max bet with bonus is £5, No max cash out, Wagering is 50x – Skrill & Neteller excluded, Eligibility is restricted for suspected abuse. - Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers only. Available once per household. Max. FreeBet amount: £10 Minimum Deposit and wagering on sport to activate the Free Bet is: £10 Void/cancelled or cashed out bets do not count towards wagering to activate the free bet. Offer valid only to customers making a first deposit of £10 or more. Offer only applies to players who are residents of United Kingdom and Irland.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. This promotion is valid for new UK Fafa customers aged 18 years and over who have yet to avail of a FafaSports Welcome Offer and register after the start date. Start from 00:01 on 15/02/2023. A "Qualifying Bet" is a first settled real money single or multiple bet of £10.00 or more placed at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater.You will then be credited with a £5 Free Bet +£5 Casino Bonus 24 hours after your Qualifying Bet has been settled. T&C's apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit: £10, max £10 bonus, valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets no eligible. T&Cs apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. Place a qualifying £10 fixed odds bet at odds of 1/2 or greater. Qualifying bet cannot be placed in-play or cashed out early. A first free £10 fixed odds bet will be credited upon settlement of the qualifying bet. The second free £10 fixed odds bets will be added to your account on the following day. Free bets must be claimed within 28 days of opening. Free bet stake not included in any winnings. Ts&Cs Apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New Customers only. Must have a minimum of 3 bets of £10 or more on separate events at odds of evens (2.0) or bigger on first day. First day losses equals all settled stakes less all returns. T&C's apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+ - Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 on any football market at minimum 1/1 odds. No cash out. Get £40 in Free Bets on selected events. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Debit card / Apple Pay payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers only. Min. deposit of £10. Qualifying real money bet of £10. Min odds greater than or equal to 1.5 required. E/W bets excluded. Offer awarded immediately but could be issued the next working day in exceptional circumstances such as technical fault. Additional T&Cs apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. If your account has Sportsbook losses at the end of your first day's betting, QuinnBet will refund 50% of your losses as a Free Bet up to £35 (min 3 bets) Plus 10 Free online casino spins at QuinnCasino. Even if your account is up, you're guaranteed a £5 Free Bet Plus 10 Extra Spins provided you place at least 1 bet of £10 or greater at the minimum odds. T&Cs apply | New UK Customers Only | BeGambleAware.org | Gamble Responsibly
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. Welcome Bonus: New players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit: £15, Max £10 Free Bet valid for 14 days. Bets Must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets no eligible. Neteller, Skrill and PayPal not eligible. T&Cs apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New UK+IRE Customers. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 1x £20 free bet. Free bet available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions - Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers only. Min deposit £10. Place a £50 bet on any sport at at odds of Evens (2.0) or greater to qualify for three free bets on settlement: £10 on Football, £10 on Greyhound and £5 on Virtual Sports, plus 10 Extra Spins on Reel King. Free Bet & Spins expire in 7 days. Additional T&Cs apply. Please bet responsibly.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers online only. Min Odds 3/1 (4.00), Min 3 Selections. Free Bet Valid For 7 Days
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 17.10.2022. 3x £10 free bets. Free bets expire after 30 days. New customers signing up through mobile or tablet device only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad - Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. #AD 10% Cash back without wagering the day after if the player loses all the money in the account. Min deposit £10. Gameplay is monitored. Full T&Cs apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. 18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Place 1 sport bet (3+ selections) | Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min Odds 2/1 (3.0) | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers. Max £10 (exc. PayPal). 100% Odds Boost Token. Keep it fun - set your deposit limit. T&Cs apply. - Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New Players Only. Free bet - one-time stake of £30, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New Players only. Max. Free Bet Token amount: £10.Minimum Deposit: £15. Minimum wagering on Sport to activate the Free Bet Token: £15
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New Players Only. Free bet - one-time stake of £10, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New cust only. Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. T&Cs Apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit: £10, max £10 bonus, valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets no eligible.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. - Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New customers only. Min stake £2. Min legs 3. Max win £1,000. Min odds 3.0. Max £25 back as a Free Bet on losing bets only. 7 days to use free bet at odds 2.0+. Full T and Cs apply. Play responsibly GambleAware®: Gambling Help & Gambling Addiction • T&Cs apply - Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit: £10, max £15 bonus, valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at a min. odds of 1/1 (2.00) or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets no eligible. T&Cs apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New Players Only. Min £ 20 qualifying bets stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £ 40, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New Players Only. Min £10 qualifying bets stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £10, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. GambleAware®: Gambling Help & Gambling Addiction . new player only, 1st deposit, min deposit £15, Max £15 Free Bet valid for 14 days, Bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets not eligible. Neteller, Skrill and Payapl not eligible. T&C apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New UK customers only. Promo code: bonus10 (case sensitive- lower case) . Min deposit & single bet £30. Evens (2.0) or above. Bet must be placed same day as deposit. £5 Free bet added after qualifying bet settlement, £5 in Extra Spins within 48 hrs. Full T&Cs apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. Terms: 18+ New customers only. Opt in, and bet £10 on football markets (odds 2.00+). No cash out. Get 6x£5 football free bets at specified odds for set markets, which expire after 7 days. Offer valid from 12:00 UK Time on 25/08/2023. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. 18+. BeGambleAware.org. New customers only. Min Dep £10. Debit cards only. Opt in for bonus funds. Wagering, sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Sports bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Valid for 7 days. Geographical Restrictions and T&Cs Apply. - Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New Players Only. Min £/€/$ 20 qualifying bets stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £/€/$ 30, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £/€/$ 200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. T&Cs apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. 18+, WELCOME BONUS: NEW PLAYERS ONLY, 1ST DEPOSIT, MIN DEPOSIT,: £10, MAX £20 FREE BET VALID FOR 14 DAYS, BETS MUST BE PLACED AT ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER AND BE SETTLED WITHIN 14 DAYS OF PLACEMENT. SYSTEM BETS NOT ELIGIBLE. NETELLER,SKRILL AND PAYPAL NOT ELIGIBLE. T&C APPLY
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New Customers only. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration Required. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply. - Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. This promotion is for new customers only. Customers must residents of the UK/IE. Sign Up using the promo code b25g10fb and make a minimum deposit of £25. Place a minimum £25 bet on any selection with minimum odds of evens (2.0) and receive a £10 free bet upon bet settlement. Only customers signing up through a recognized affiliate partner will be eligible for this promotion.T&C's apply
Stay In The Loop With Free Bets, Insider Tips & More!
Live Betting. Sports Promos. Sent Weekly.