Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 4, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

European Transfers and Signings

Bernardo Silva said he "didn't think twice" about joining Real Madrid after completing his first training session with the club on Monday. Ajax has finalized the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on a season-long loan, as confirmed by both clubs. Como has agreed to a deal worth over £30 million to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. Chelsea also confirmed the signing of England midfielder Jordan Henderson, with the club stating Henderson "couldn't turn it down". promoted Women's Super League club Crystal Palace has secured the signing of Tottenham defender Molly Bartrip for an undisclosed fee. Xabi Alonso Chelsea's new boss, indicated that the "scar" from his brief tenure at Real Madrid has healed, allowing him to focus entirely on the upcoming Premier League season. Highly-rated set-piece coach Austin Mac Phee has joined Chelsea's pre-season tour in Hong Kong, moving from Aston Villa. City's Mateo Kovacic expressed confidence that the club "count on me" despite speculation linking him with a summer move away. Bosnia Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko, aged, has signed a one-year contract extension with newly promoted Bundesliga side Schalke.

Premier League and Club News

Premier League teams have been active in the transfer market, with Manchester United opting for more affordable signings, while Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham have all spent significantly. The summer transfer window sees clubs investing millions in acquiring top talent, but the ultimate value of these expenditures remains a subject of debate. Arsenal has unveiled its new third kit for the 2026-27 season, a design that bears a resemblance to previous kits. The 2026-27 Premier League season is set to make history with a record number of managerial changes before it has even begun. Liverpool's preseason in the United States highlighted areas needing improvement for coach Iraola & Co. ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Mason Mount is being considered as a potential third midfield addition for Manchester United, with questions raised about whether the club needs to search externally when Mount is already at home. United's women's team faces uncertainty with a month remaining before the Women's Super League season, currently without a manager and possessing a thin squad. Marc Skinner departed as Manchester United's head coach, leaving the club without a manager just one month before their opening Women's Super League fixture. Wanderers head coach Cesar Peixoto stated that his squad is focused on the future and not dwelling on past struggles at Molineux.

Scottish Football Update

Celtic began their Scottish Premiership title defense with a 1-0 victory over Dundee at Celtic Park. Celtic's win over Dundee was highlighted by the impact of Kieran Tierney in the Scottish Premiership. provided extended highlights of the Celtic versus Dundee match. Celtic's winning start to their title defense was also reviewed by Kenny Macintyre, Tom English, Scott Brown, and Rory Loy on Sportsound. Celtic will play Austrian champions LASK in the Champions League play-off round, while other Scottish clubs have learned their potential opponents in the Europa League and Conference League. Celtic will play Austrian champions LASK for a spot in the Champions League league phase, and Brighton will compete against CFR Cluj or Tromso in the Conference League play-off round. Rangers have agreed to a deal for Hannover winger Daisuke Yokota, while Celtic reportedly rejected an inquiry for defender Kieran Tierney. Celtic's victory over Dundee has been praised, with questions arising about their readiness for European competition, while Dundee showed promise despite their defeat.

MLS and North American Soccer

Major League Soccer (MLS) has launched an investigation into allegations of antisemitic and discriminatory language directed at New England Revolution striker Dor Turgeman during a recent match against CF Montreal. Larry Berg part-owner of LAFC, has been appointed as the next commissioner of MLS and will assume the role from Don Garber on January 1, 2027. Inter Miami has not shown interest in signing Kevin De Bruyne, according to a club source who confirmed this to ESPN. Inter Miami has also not expressed interest in signing Colombian national team midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero, as confirmed by club sources to ESPN. Los Angeles Galaxy's general manager, Will Kuntz, stated that Casemiro told the club he "only wanted to play for them," amidst investigations into his transfer to Inter Miami. Washington's loss to San Diego has resulted in the Spirit surrendering the top spot in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, with Utah now holding the No. 1 position in the league. Bay FC reached an agreement to sign United States winger Jenna Nighswonger from Arsenal for approximately $200,000, according to multiple sources who confirmed the deal to ESPN.

International Soccer and Management

Mauricio Pochettino signed a new contract to continue as the manager of the U.S. men's national team, as announced by U.S. Soccer. Pochettino's extended tenure as U.S. men's national team coach will now last through the 2030 World Cup, raising questions about potential offers from major European clubs before then. FIFA president Infantino's plans to sell off the World Cup have been met with criticism, with UEFA threatening legal action against FIFA over the proposal. UEFA has issued a threat of legal action against FIFA regarding Gianni Infantino's World Cup sell-off strategy. There is increasing pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and speculation is mounting about who might succeed him if he were to step down. FIFA International was an unexpected bestseller, laying the groundwork for the EAFC video game franchise to become a central part of soccer culture. Hansi Flick emphasized that Barcelona needs to make a move in the transfer market to find a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

Boxing and Combat Sports

Moses Itauma is set to compete for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title against Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29. All necessary information regarding Saturday's middleweight bout between Aaron McKenna and Etinosa Oliha in Dublin, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, is now available.

Cricket and Other Sports

USA cricketer Akhilesh Reddy has received an eight-year ban from all forms of cricket by the ICC following a tribunal's finding of guilt on three counts of violating anti-corruption rules. Short's unbeaten half-century guided Welsh Fire to a six-wicket victory over Southern Brave, leveling them on points at the top of The Hundred table. Welsh Fire secured a victory over The Hundred table-toppers Southern Brave in a thrilling last-ball finish in Cardiff.

Tennis and Golf