Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 3, 2026, 8:32 AM ET

Premier League Transfer Buzz

Arsenal's opening bid for Bruno Guimaraes has been rejected by Newcastle. However, Bruno is now on his way to meet up with Newcastle United at their pre-season camp in Spain. In other transfer news, Tottenham are interested in signing Cody Gakpo from Liverpool this summer. Tottenham have also made an approach for Victor Osimhen. Cody Gakpo reportedly had positive talks with Spurs regarding a move. Manchester City is preparing a surprise move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto. Bournemouth are finalizing an £11.1m move for Sevilla right-back Juanlu. United opted for affordable options in the transfer window, while Chelsea, Man City, and Spurs all spent big. Premier League clubs have already spent more than £1bn in the transfer window, with expectations of further activity.

Club Signings and Departures

Newcastle United signed goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga in a deal worth £25.7m. The club also signed goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga for £25.7m. Xabi Alonso stated that the "scar" he suffered from his short tenure at Real Madrid has healed, allowing him to focus on leading Chelsea into the new Premier League season. sees his new role at Chelsea as an exciting opportunity to lead a senior revolution. Argentina international Barco has joined Chelsea from Strasbourg. United manager Marc Skinner has stepped down from his position before the start of the Women's Super League season. Marc Skinner left his role as Manchester United Women head coach after five years in charge.

Managerial Movements and Speculation

Scottish Rugby announced the departure of women's head coach Sione Fukofuka due to personal reasons after eight months in charge. New Motherwell boss Alfred Johansson appears to have started the season in fine style despite significant departures. Martin O'Neill tipped Callum McGregor as a future Celtic manager as the midfielder commits his future to the club. Steven Gerrard has revealed the reasons why he did not return as Rangers boss. Enzo Maresca suffered a shootout loss in his first game as Manchester City manager, drawing 1-1 with Inter Milan before losing 3-1 on penalties. Mbeumo's brace earned Manchester United a 2-1 friendly victory over Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly, marking new coach José Mourinho's first game in charge.

International Football and Governance

The Football Association is set to withdraw support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The English Football Association is preparing to write to FIFA president Gianni Infantino withdrawing its support amidst fallout from his scrapped plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors. Wales has become the first football association to officially withdraw support for Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president. Wales withdrew support for Gianni Infantino's bid to continue his leadership of FIFA. FIFA president Gianni Infantino gambled unsuccessfully on questionable ideas before, but his World Cup plans were considered ham-fisted and delusional from both a business and political perspective. Real Madrid praised UEFA for helping protect football "at a decisive moment" after FIFA abandoned plans to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors.

Player Performances and Rumors

Arsenal manager Arteta refused to comment on his club's reported pursuit of Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior but indicated that he expects more player movements before the end of the summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta attempted to convince Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior to join Arsenal. Arsenal, there is excitement about the potential signing of Vinicius Jr this summer. On Saturday, Christos Tzolis was a notable performer for the club on the left wing. Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has described new manager Enzo Maresca's style of play as "music to my ears" after early signs of his role under the Italian.

Cricket and Other Sports

USA cricketer Akhilesh Reddy has been banned from all cricket for eight years by the ICC after being found guilty of three counts of breaking anti-corruption rules by a tribunal. Shiho Kuwaki snatched a dramatic play-off victory over Esther Henseleit after an extraordinary finish to the AIG Women's Open. Charley Hull and Lottie Woad will be left lamenting a "missed opportunity" to claim a maiden major win at the AIG Women's Open, according to Dame Laura Davies. Sophia Dunkley's 56 off 33 balls powered Trent Rockets to an impressive five-run victory over Sun Risers Leeds in The Hundred at Trent Bridge. Duckett's fine half-century and crucial late wickets from Mohammad Amir helped Trent Rockets maintain their top position in The Hundred table with a five-run win over Sun Risers Leeds.

Golf and Tennis Updates

Donald Trump taunted opponents after announcing he had won the Senior and Super Senior Men's Club Championship at his Bedminster golf course in New Jersey. Jessica Pegula held a one-set lead over Alexandra Eala in a rain-affected DC Open final that saw play suspended until Monday. Jack Draper requested patience from his fans regarding his return after the former world No 4 withdrew from the DC Open with an arm injury. Blue Bolt continued her faultless campaign with victory in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville.

Scottish Premiership Action

Newly-promoted St Johnstone marked their return to the top flight by edging out Kilmarnock in a seven-goal thriller on the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership. St Johnstone twice relinquished a lead before fighting back to secure the win at home. Watch Sportscene highlights from McDiarmid Park where St Johnstone and Kilmarnock played out a seven-goal thriller in the Scottish Premiership. Ibrahim Said netted a late winner as Motherwell started their Scottish Premiership season with a victory over Hibernian at Easter Road. The new season continued with St Johnstone and Motherwell securing wins in their opening matches.

Pre-Season Friendlies and Other Games

Wrexham concluded their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in Philadelphia. Liverpool threw away a two-goal lead in spectacular fashion as Leeds won the final match of both teams' United States tour 4-2. Liverpool concluded their pre-season US tour with a 4-2 defeat against Leeds, having held a two-goal half-time lead in Chicago. Robert Lewandowski scored two goals, including the winner, in his home debut for the Fire, helping Chicago beat Charlotte FC 2-1.

Video Game Culture

Long before the EAFC video game franchise established itself at the epicenter of soccer culture, FIFA International Soccer was an unexpected bestseller.