Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

Transfer Window Buzzes with Activity and Rumors

Liverpool have reportedly with Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, though clubs remain apart on valuation as of Wednesday's gossip. The Reds are also reportedly interested in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa. Meanwhile, Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Brighton striker Danny Welbeck, who has been granted permission for a medical ahead of his move. Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has also attracted interest from Juventus, with the English club reportedly open to offers.

Club News and Managerial Movements

In managerial news, Zinedine Zidane has returned to coaching as the new France boss, his first role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. Elsewhere, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is after being admitted to hospital. Roberto Mancini has been for a second spell, following technical director Paolo Maldini's resignation and Andrea Pirlo ruling himself out of contention.

International Football and Governing Body Disputes

UEFA is set to hold an emergency meeting this week to to sell stakes in major competitions, with a potential World Cup boycott being considered according to sources. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has clarified its guidance on VAR, stating that Switzerland forward Breel Embolo should not have been sent off in the World Cup quarter-finals against Argentina. On the pitch, Cape Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral for goal of the tournament at the World Cup.

Player Movements and Squad Shuffles

Middlesbrough have completed the signing of USA midfielder Sebastian Berhalter from the Vancouver Whitecaps on a four-year deal as announced by the clubs. Rangers have accepted a bid from Anderlecht for winger Oliver Antman according to gossip. Celtic have broken their transfer record to sign Denmark striker Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt on a four-year contract. Former Hearts forward Ryan Stevenson has delivered a scathing verdict as Wouter Vrancken's reign begins with a Champions League elimination as reported.

Kit Releases and Pre-Season Preparations

Liverpool have drawn inspiration from the 1980s for their retro 2026-27 away kit. Manchester United's pre-season tour of Europe is underway, with before the new season. Jack Grealish will not be joining Manchester City on their pre-season tour of Asia as he continues to recover from a foot injury as reported.

Discrimination and Sanctions in Football

Anti-discrimination body Kick It Out has revealed that it received a record 1,744 reports of discrimination during the 2025/26 season, a 25% rise according to the charity. The organization is calling for tougher sanctions to be implemented as incidents hit a new high. Brazil's sports court has suspended Víctor Gabriel until Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec returns to training after sustaining a broken leg from the defender's foul.

Miscellaneous Sporting News

In boxing, former world champion Joe Cordina has to assault charges. In darts, 20-year-old Henry Coates has at Players Championship. Ronnie O’Sullivan was knocked out of the Shanghai Masters in the second round.