Transfer
In short
A transfer occurs when a player moves from one professional sports club to another, usually involving a fee paid to the original team.
In plain words
It is like a player changing jobs. The new team pays money to the old team so the player can join them. This often happens during specific times of the year called transfer windows.
A simple example
Manchester United pays fifty million pounds to Liverpool to allow a striker to join their squad. The player then signs a new contract with Manchester United.
Why it matters
Transfers allow teams to improve their squads and fix weaknesses. They are also a major way for clubs to make or spend large amounts of money.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse a transfer with a loan, where a player joins a new club only temporarily.