In just two-and-a-half months players whose contracts expire at the end of the season will be able to discuss free transfers with clubs in a foreign league to theirs.
That means Lionel Messi can talk to Manchester City, Paul Pogba can talk to Real Madrid, David Alaba and Gianluigi Donnarumma will be on the market and Sergio Aguero's time at City could be coming to an end. Barcelona, meanwhile, have three targets lined up whose contracts expire next summer.
With the coronavirus crisis wreaking havoc with club's finances and causing uncertainty for players, contract negotiations are being left even later than usual, meaning there is plethora of world class talent who will be available to discuss a move in January if their futures are not sorted before then.