Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 3, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

Transfer Window Buzz

Premier League clubs have already invested over £1bn in the current transfer window, with expectations of further activity. Newcastle United completed the signing of goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga for a fee of £25.7m. Bournemouth is reportedly close to finalising a £11.1m deal for Sevilla right-back Juanlu, as manager Marco Rose continues to shape his squad. United opted for more affordable acquisitions in the transfer market, contrasting with the significant spending by Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham. Chelsea has also secured the signing of Argentinian international Valentín Barco from Strasbourg. Arsenal manager Arteta remains tight-lipped about his club's rumoured pursuit of Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior but anticipates additional signings before the transfer window concludes. Manchester City are reportedly preparing a surprise move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto. Tottenham has made an approach for Victor Osimhen, while Atletico Madrid is considering a move for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish. Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has reportedly held positive discussions with Spurs. Former Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah is expected to join Turkish club Trabzonspor. Inter Miami has confirmed it is not pursuing Colombian midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero.

Managerial Movements and Club Updates

Manchester United Women's head coach Marc Skinner has stepped down from his role after five years in charge, prior to the start of the Women's Super League season. Xabi Alonso stated that the "scar" from his brief tenure at Real Madrid has healed, allowing him to fully concentrate on leading Chelsea into the new Premier League season. Antoine Semenyo, a forward for Manchester City, has described new manager Enzo Maresca's playing style as "music to my ears" after observing early indications of the team's direction under the Italian coach. Manchester City suffered a shootout loss in their first match under Enzo Maresca, drawing 1-1 with Inter Milan in Hong Kong before losing 3-1 on penalties. Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly, marking José Mourinho's first game as their new coach. Bryan Mbeumo scored twice to help Manchester United secure a 2-1 friendly victory over Atlético Madrid in Stockholm. Liverpool concluded their pre-season tour of the United States with a 4-2 defeat against Leeds United, having led 2-0 at halftime in Chicago. Wrexham finished their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 loss to Sunderland in Philadelphia.

International Football and Governance

The Football Association is reportedly set to withdraw its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Wales has become the first nation to publicly withdraw its backing for Gianni Infantino's bid to continue his leadership of FIFA. UEFA has threatened legal action over Infantino's abandoned plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors. Real Madrid has commended UEFA for its role in protecting football "at a decisive moment," following FIFA's decision to scrap plans to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors. FIFA president Gianni Infantino's previous attempts to gamble on questionable ideas have been unsuccessful, and his World Cup plans were considered poorly conceived and unrealistic from both a business and political standpoint.

Scottish Premiership and Other Football News

Newly-promoted St Johnstone made a memorable return to the top flight by defeating Kilmarnock 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller on the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership season. Motherwell also started their season with a victory, with Ibrahim Said scoring a late winner to secure a 1-0 triumph over Hibernian. Alfred Johansson appears to be navigating a challenging task at Motherwell with early success, despite significant player and staff departures. Martin O'Neill expressed his commitment to together and not resting on past achievements as he looks towards the upcoming season with Celtic. O'Neill also tipped midfielder Callum McGregor as a potential future manager for Celtic, as McGregor commits his future to the club. Steven Gerrard explained his reasons for not returning as Rangers boss.

Golf and Tennis Updates

Donald Trump appears to have won the Senior and Super Senior Men's Club Championship at his Bedminster golf course in New Jersey, subsequently taunting his opponents. Shiho Kuwaki secured a dramatic play-off victory over Esther Henseleit at the AIG Women's Open after an extraordinary finish, while Charley Hull and Lottie Woad were unable to secure a maiden major win. Dame Laura Davies suggested that Charley Hull and Lottie Woad missed a significant opportunity to claim their first major title at the AIG Women's Open. Blue Bolt continued its undefeated streak with a victory in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville. In tennis, Jessica Pegula holds a one-set lead over Alexandra Eala in the rain-suspended DC Open final, with play scheduled to resume on Monday. Jack Draper requested patience from his supporters regarding his return to the sport, citing an arm injury that led to his withdrawal from the DC Open.

Other Sports News

England suffered a comprehensive 68-50 defeat to Australia in the netball bronze-medal match at the Commonwealth Games, meaning they will leave without a medal in the sport. In cricket, Ben Duckett's half-century and crucial late wickets from Mohammad Amir propelled Trent Rockets to a five-run victory over Sun Risers Leeds, maintaining their top position in The Hundred. Sophia Dunkley also contributed significantly with a 56 off 33 balls, leading Trent Rockets to an impressive win over Sun Risers Leeds by five runs in The Hundred at Trent Bridge. The Formula 1 'silly season' of driver market speculation is officially underway during the sport's summer break, with potential movements involving drivers like Verstappen and Alonso.