Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 5, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

European Football Shakeups and Transfer Rumors

The European football season is gearing up with significant transfer activity and strategic questions facing clubs. With less than a month before the new Women's Super League (WSL) season begins, writers are examining each team's transfer business and posing critical questions about their strategies. The association of European soccer leagues has called for governance reform of FIFA, adding to the pressure on president Gianni Infantino following his unsuccessful plan. Portugal great Figo has also joined calls for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down over his failed plan to sell the World Cup to private investors. Fifa president Gianni Infantino will face senior leaders of football's world governing body on Wednesday, with discussions expected regarding his scrapped plan to sell off Fifa's commercial and event operations. Under-pressure FIFA president Gianni Infantino will hold a crisis meeting with senior staff in Morocco on Wednesday, amidst mounting criticism of his failed plan to sell off FIFA's commercial and event operations. Two senior FIFA executives, coaching great Arsène Wenger and CEO-like secretary general Mattias Grafström, have distanced themselves from their boss Gianni Infantino's failed plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial and event operations. FIFA has been accused of blackmailing Jordan over World Cup money in return for their support for Gianni Infantino to stay on as president.

Several clubs are making moves in the transfer market, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly being offered USMNT striker Folarin Balogun. Crystal Palace is poised to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer following a successful trial and is considering a move for winger Solly March. Premier League side Crystal Palace is also in advanced talks to sign Real Salt Lake's 19-year-old wing-back Zavier Gozo, a source confirmed to ESPN. Chelsea is reportedly set to clinch a deal to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria for a fee of around £16.3m (€19m) plus add-ons. Liverpool has explored the conditions of a potential deal for Paris Saint-Germain's teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Nottingham Forest is reportedly eyeing Tijjani Reijnders, while Spurs are interested in Savinho and Nicolas Jackson, and Real Madrid has resumed contract talks with Vinicius Jr. Liverpool is also prepared to make Bradley Barcola their third £100m signing, with the France and Paris St-Germain winger expected to bring significant talent to Anfield. Arsenal has agreed to a £75m fee with Newcastle for their captain Bruno Guimaraes. Hull City signed Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos on a five-year deal for a club-record fee. Rangers have completed the signing of winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover. Celtic is reportedly pushing for a deal for Ghedjemis, while a former Celtic left-back has moved to Houston Dynamo.

Player movements and potential moves continue to dominate headlines, with Mohamed Salah reportedly set to join Turkish side Trabzonspor on a free transfer after mutually agreeing to terminate his Liverpool contract a year early. Franco Mastantuono is set to join Fiorentina from Real Madrid on a season-long loan, sources have told ESPN. Lincoln City midfielder Jack Moylan has joined Championship rivals Cardiff City after an impressive last season in League One. Jeremy Monga's £10m move from Leicester to Manchester City is expected to be a significant development for the teenager, who aims to emulate Eden Hazard. Tijjani Reijnders and Nicolas Jackson are also mentioned as potential targets for Manchester City, with Jackson having previously earned a reputation for missing clear chances during his time at Chelsea. Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi, who confesses a love for the transfer window, hopes to utilize it to guide his club up the Premier League table. Chelsea is also reportedly eyeing a move for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, according to Wednesday's newspapers.

Club Preseason Preparations and Player News

Club preseason preparations are underway, with some teams facing challenges and others showcasing promising performances. Liverpool's U.S. trip revealed that coach Iraola & Co. still have considerable work to do ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with injuries and squad depth emerging as concerns. Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong, with Edon Zhegrova scoring the decisive goal in a lacklustre friendly that did not significantly advance their pre-season preparations. Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory over the K-League All Stars in Seoul, with Enzo Maresca winning his first game in charge and Reijnders and Semenyo shining in his tactical setup. Marcus Rashford is expected to return to Manchester United training in the coming days, amidst ongoing debate about the implications for the team. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill remains in hospital after undergoing a "small procedure," according to a club announcement.

International and League Competitions on the Horizon

Preparations are being made for upcoming international and league competitions, with significant events and rule changes on the horizon. The new season of "Ted Lasso" was filmed in the U.S. at a real-life NWSL club for a cameo that serves as a key plot point of the show. The bulk of the EFL Cup's first-round fixtures will take place on a weekend, a departure from its traditional midweek scheduling. Argentina fly-half Tomas Albornoz has been suspended for four matches after being charged with misconduct following Argentina's Nations Championship defeat against England last month. Midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson, aged, has been named in England's preparation squad for the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland next month. The United States men's national team will return to action for the first time since the 2026 World Cup during the September/October FIFA international window, hosting Peru, Chile, Canada, and Mexico. Mauricio Pochettino will remain as coach through the 2030 World Cup, but questions remain about his future should a major club make an offer.

Other Sporting News and Developments

Beyond football, several other sporting events and stories have emerged. British boxer Raven Chapman underwent emergency surgery for a bleed on her brain after collapsing during a sparring session in Denmark. Joseph Parker announced he will resume his boxing career "soon" after his suspension was lifted following a failed drug test last year. Unbeaten contender Callum Walsh from Ireland is aiming to break through into the highest echelons of the middleweight division. Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to an ongoing wrist injury, raising concerns about his US Open title defense. Jack Draper was left in tears after losing to Terence Atmane at the Canadian Open, as his long-term arm injury appeared to resurface and affect his performance. Max Verstappen praised Kimi Antonelli's "rock solid" performances that have propelled him to the top of Formula 1's Drivers' Championship in the first half of the 2026 season. Silca Bay Sea Suite, and Ben Nevis are set to compete in the Brighton Mile this afternoon. SunRisers Leeds posted a record 241-2 in The Hundred before cruising to victory over London Spirit. Trent Rockets secured a top position in The Hundred women's table after their fourth consecutive win against Birmingham Phoenix, which almost guarantees them a spot in the tournament's later stages. Several athletes are reportedly "unaccounted for" after the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, according to Police Scotland. Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors are scheduled to play the first-ever Super League fixture in Ireland in April 2027. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos stated that Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team prepares to navigate the Leagues Cup without the forward due to his lengthy suspension. The president of