Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 27, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Club Signings and Transfers

Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a club-record deal worth £40 million for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford closing on deal. Meanwhile, Mexico's all-time leading scorer, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, is set to sign with USL Championship expansion team Atletico Dallas. Inter Milan are in advanced talks with England defender John Stones regarding a free transfer, with Stones having verbally agreed to the move despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. Real Madrid are also expected to complete a deal to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in the coming hours. Paris Saint-Germain are slated to open talks with Liverpool over the potential transfer of Bradley Barcola to Anfield. In Scotland, Celtic have reportedly had a £4 million bid for midfielder Baur turned down by Paderborn.

Player Movements and Contract News

Esther González and Gotham FC have mutually agreed to terminate her contract. Brighton captain Maisie Symonds has signed a new long-term contract with the club. Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has confirmed that captain Granit Xhaka will remain with the club this summer, dismissing speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea. Chelsea have held positive initial talks with Brighton regarding a potential deal for Danny Welbeck, and the club is also interested in signing Jordan Henderson from Brentford after similar discussions. Micky van de Ven stated that Tottenham's record spending highlights a "new ambition" following an "unacceptable" previous season.

Managerial Moves and Club Matters

Paolo Maldini has departed his role as technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following the decision not to appoint Andrea Pirlo as the head coach quits as director. Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn his candidacy for the Italy head coach position due to criticism of his commercial ties with a Russian betting company. Xabi Alonso has requested patience as his new coaching era at Chelsea begins, and he has a plan to play club record £117 million signing Morgan Rogers alongside Cole Palmer. Former Crawley Town boss Scott Lindsey has been appointed as the new head coach of York City, one day after the sacking of Stuart Maynard. Leicester City manager Russell Martin stated that history should not be used to judge his potential achievements with the club. Hibernian head coach David Gray believes adapting to "expectation and demand" is crucial for a strong season. Motherwell's new manager Alfred Johansson, at, is the youngest in the Scottish Premiership. Rangers manager Michael McInnes has challenged his team to possess the "ambition" to win the title this season.

International and Tournament News

Cape Verde made history when Sidny Lopes Cabral won the public vote for goal of the tournament at the World Cup. Nigeria are aiming to defend their crown and secure an 11th Women's Africa Cup of Nations title as they face Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt. England bounced back from a Commonwealth Games Netball defeat against Australia with a victory over Malawi in Glasgow. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has criticized World Cup detractors, accusing them of being "consumed by hate". Kylian Mbappé expressed his disappointment with France's World Cup final performance, stating that the failure to win "hurts, and will hurt for a while". Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni defended his players, calling them "warriors" after their World Cup final loss to Spain. Dani Olmo has rejected an apology from Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala following an altercation after the World Cup final.

Other Football Notes

Law enforcement officials are investigating allegations of misconduct by players at Austin FC's youth academy, which led to expulsions and suspensions. The Washington Spirit have reclaimed the No. 1 spot in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings with their fifth win in six games. Robert Lewandowski has yet to secure a win with the Chicago Fire in his first two MLS games, impacting their Power Rankings position. Lionel Messi is expected to miss the MLS All-Star Game for the second consecutive season but will avoid suspension. Inter Miami forward Germán Berterame has been released from the hospital after sustaining a head collision during a match. Wrexham continued their strong preseason by defeating Leeds United 3-2, with Sam Smith scoring a late winner. English football leagues are set to trial new measures aimed at addressing goalkeeper tactical timeouts in the upcoming season. BBC Sport is examining Liverpool's centre-back situation and potential solutions for manager Andoni Iraola. Chelsea are showcasing seven academy players on their pre-season tour.

Tennis and Golf News

Jack Draper has withdrawn from the DC Open due to a left arm injury. Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka will team up for the mixed doubles event at the US Open. Lucas Glover has stated that removing his shoes during a recent PGA Tour event was to prevent spike marks, not as a protest against the Aim Point putting technique.

Other Sports News

Ollie Pope scored the winning runs with the final ball to secure a dramatic three-wicket victory for MI London over Southern Brave. In a thrilling encounter, Southern Brave edged out MI London by one run on the last ball at the Utilita Bowl. Edgar Berlanga returned to winning ways by climbing off the canvas to stop Steven Butler in the seventh round of their super-middleweight contest at Madison Square Garden. Ronnie O'Sullivan has set a deadline of 2028 to win a record eighth World Snooker Championship, stating he will retire if required to play qualifying matches. Luke Littler has reaffirmed his ambition to become the greatest darts player ever after his dominant Betfred World Matchplay title defence. In Formula, Lando Norris has not ruled out a title challenge and believes the pressure is on championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Dillian Whyte suggested that Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua could both retire after their upcoming fight, with Nelson also stating that Fury has the edge in the bout.