I feel like im getting excited for no reason just because i've felt low this last few days there hasnt been a single rumour linking us to Drogba but il take what little hope i can get he would be a massive upgrade on what we have now and if there is a chance Marotta must take it.
yes, these deadlines are only for players already under contract - free agents can move to a new team even after the deadline for transfers (keep in mind however that there is still the deadline for the CL list of 25 players or whatever, which is today, iirc, and that one is a must to be met)
btw, where are you guys getting this stuff about Drogs being a free agent?
"Players may only be registered during one of the two annual registration
periods fixed by the relevant association. As an exception to this
rule, a professional whose contract has expired prior to the end of a
registration period may be registered outside that registration period. Associations are authorised to register such professionals provided due consideration is given to the sporting integrity of the relevant competition. Where a contract has been terminated with just cause, FIFA may take provisional measures in order to avoid abuse, subject to article 22."