Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 2, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

Premier League and European Transfers Heat Up

Arsenal manager Arteta remained tight-lipped regarding speculation linking the club with Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior but indicated that further player acquisitions are expected before the transfer window closes. (REF:1) Manchester City reportedly preparing a surprising bid for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, according to the latest transfer rumors. (REF:7) Tottenham have initiated contact with Napoli regarding striker Victor Osimhen, while Atletico Madrid are contemplating a move for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish. (REF:10) Liverpool forward Gakpo has reportedly had positive discussions with Tottenham about a potential transfer. (REF:10) Manchester United are said to be nearing an agreement to sign a player named Hall, as reported in the newspapers. (REF:9) Bournemouth is finalizing an £11.1 million deal for Sevilla right-back Juanlu, a move that would bring new manager Marco Rose's squad closer to completion. (REF:35) Newcastle United reportedly considering a move for USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams. (REF:49) Former Liverpool Mohamed Salah is expected to join Turkish club Trabzonspor. (REF:40)

Club Signings and Squad Movements

Argentina international Barco has officially joined Chelsea from Strasbourg, the London club announced. (REF:4) Inter Miami confirmed through club sources that they are not pursuing a transfer for Colombian national team midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero. (REF:5) Xabi Alonso new Chelsea boss, stated that the "scar" from his brief spell at Real Madrid has healed, enabling him to concentrate fully on the upcoming Premier League season with his new team. (REF:3, New Motherwell boss Alfred Johansson has made a strong start to the season, overcoming significant departures from the club. (REF:12) Ibrahim Said netted a late winner for Motherwell, securing an opening-day victory against Hibernian. (REF:22)

Pre-Season Friendlies and Team Performances

Manchester City drew 1-1 with Inter Milan in Hong Kong before losing 3-1 on penalties in Enzo Maresca's first match as manager. (REF:30) New Real coach José Mourinho's debut saw the team draw 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly. (REF:31) Bryan Mbeumo scored twice to lead Manchester United to a 2-1 comeback victory over Atlético Madrid in Stockholm. (REF:32) Liverpool squandered a two-goal lead in their final US tour match, ultimately losing 4-2 to Leeds United. (REF:16, Wrexham concluded their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 loss to Sunderland in Philadelphia. (REF:11)

Scottish Premiership Kicks Off with Thrilling Encounters

Newly-promoted St Johnstone began their Scottish Premiership return with a goal-filled 3-2 victory over Kilmarnock, twice surrendering a lead before securing the win in a seven-goal thriller. (REF:15, Motherwell also started their season with a win, defeating Hibernian at Easter Road thanks to a late goal from Ibrahim Said. (REF:20,

Golf and Other Sports Updates

Shiho Kuwaki snatched a dramatic play-off win at the AIG Women's Open against Esther Henseleit following an extraordinary finish, while Charley Hull and Lottie Woad were unable to secure maiden major victories on the final day. (REF:19, England's netball team finished the Commonwealth Games without a medal after a significant 68-50 defeat to Australia in the bronze-medal match. (REF:38) In horse racing Blue Bolt maintained its perfect record with a victory in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville. (REF:27,

FIFA and Football Governance

Real Madrid expressed gratitude to UEFA for its role in "protecting football" at a crucial juncture, following FIFA's decision to abandon plans to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors. (REF:2) FIFA president Gianni Infantino's World Cup plans were criticized as ill-conceived from both a business and political standpoint, with particular concern raised about the potential impact on the 2027 Women's World Cup. (REF:13,

Tennis and Boxing News

Jack Draper requested patience from his supporters as he works his way back from an arm injury that led to his withdrawal from the DC Open, noting it has been a "perfect storm" of setbacks. (REF:33) Pierce O'Leary suffered his first professional loss in a thrilling bout in Dublin, being stopped by Mark Chamberlain. (REF:45)