Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 9:35 PM ET

Transfer Market: The Rodri Sweepstakes Heats Up

Manchester City Rodri has given Barcelona the green light to begin formal talks as the Catalan club looks to beat Real Madrid to the signature of the Spain captain, a source has told ESPN. Barcelona are set to approach City for the midfielder and are hopeful they can edge out their LaLiga rivals in the race for the 30-year-old, according to Sky Sports News. The midfielder may have a huge decision to make this summer on whether to join Real Madrid or Barcelona, should he decide to leave the Premier League champions, with both Spanish giants circling. Meanwhile, Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle says a decision about Bruno Guimaraes' future was "already made" by the time he first met the club's departing captain, suggesting the midfielder's exit was predetermined. Newcastle CEO Hopkinson has called new head coach Jaissle a "rock star" with "no ceiling on where his career could go," as the club embarks on what he dubs "Newcastle 2.0."

FIFA Leadership Crisis Deepens

world players' union FIFPRO has condemned Gianni Infantino's "abuse of presidential power" and called for change at the top of FIFA following his botched World Cup stake sale plans. FIFA said Wednesday it had apologized for errors made over Infantino's failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, with senior staff in attendance at a summit held in Morocco "reaffirming their confidence" in the president. UEFA's boycott of FIFA tournaments still stands, with under-fire Infantino remaining in his position — and the FA now joining UEFA in opposing his re-election next year. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday he no longer has confidence in FIFA President Infantino, adding to growing pressure on the soccer leader after his abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. Rivals are reportedly circling in a bid to unseat Infantino as FIFA president following his disastrous plan to bring private equity into the World Cup, with several figures emerging as potential challengers.

Arsenal's Preseason Frustrations

Mikel Arteta his Arsenal players were "fuming" after defensive errors saw them fall to a 3-1 preseason defeat to Real Betis in Dublin on Wednesday. Arteta revealed his players were "fuming" after Arsenal produced a sloppy performance as they were beaten 3-1 by the LaLiga side in a pre-season friendly in Dublin, with the manager clearly unhappy at the standard of defending. Arsenal manager is impressed with the maturity and focus shown by Northern Ireland international Ceadach O'Neill, who has emerged as a bright spot in the club's preseason campaign. Arsenal have rolled out their new third kit for the 2026-27 season, a design that draws heavily on a recent past release and has drawn plenty of fan reaction. In transfer news Arsenal and Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Brazilian teenager Kaua Elias, while Liverpool have no intention of pursuing Djed Spence this summer, according to Friday's gossip column. Liverpool could rival Arsenal in the chase for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, according to Friday's newspaper reports, adding another layer to the transfer intrigue. Morgan Rogers and no Vinicius Junior available, Arsenal face a dilemma over how to improve their forward line this summer, according to analysis of their transfer options.

Scottish Clubs Struggle in Europe

Derek McInnes says Rangers were "guilty of beating ourselves" as he bemoaned the loss of cheap goals in the Europa League qualifying first-leg defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland. McInnes is still looking for his first win as Rangers manager after they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europa League qualifying, leaving their hopes of progression hanging by a thread. Youngster Yokota was handed his Rangers debut against Jagiellonia Bialystok, a rare bright spot on a difficult night for the Scottish side. Hearts endured a predictably bruising evening in Lisbon as their hopes of progressing to the Europa League were all but ended by a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Benfica. Hibernian secured a vital win while Motherwell were held in Helsinki, making for a mixed night of European action for Scottish clubs. Rangers need a result and Hearts need a miracle heading into the second legs, with the Scottish clubs facing an uphill battle to keep their European campaigns alive. The Scottish FA will no longer use a key match incident review panel, a significant change to how disciplinary matters are handled in the Scottish game.

Salah's Surprise Move to Turkey

Mohamed Salah joined Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor on a free transfer, bringing an end to his illustrious spell in the Premier League. Salah decided to trade the Premier League for Turkish side Trabzonspor, but with time running out in the transfer window, his departure leaves Liverpool facing questions about their attacking depth. Liverpool legend Rush says new boss Andoni Iraola deserves time to succeed at Anfield but should target winning silverware in his debut campaign, as the club navigates a new era without Salah.

Transfer Roundup: Deals Across Europe

Former Mexico star Hirving "Chucky" Lozano is finalizing a deal to join the LA Galaxy on loan from San Diego FC, sources told ESPN, as the MLS side bolsters its attacking options. Leeds United signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City in a club-record deal, a significant statement of intent from the Championship side. Leeds drawn up a shortlist for Trafford's understudy, according to the latest reports, as the club looks to build squad depth. Millwall have signed Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes on a one-year deal following the end of his contract with Charlton Athletic. Swansea City signed free agent Ross Stewart on a three-year deal following the Scotland striker's departure from Southampton. Birmingham City have signed France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre for £100K, a bargain addition to their squad. Wrexham have signed midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee, as the club continues its ambitious recruitment drive. Defender Gabby George has completed a move to Brighton from Manchester United before the start of the Women's Super League season. Liverpool have signed Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos from CD Tenerife Femenino, subject to visa approval and international clearance. Bournemouth have announced the signing of right-back Juanlu Sanchez from Spanish club Sevilla in a deal worth up to £11.1m.

Contract Extensions and Commitment

Micky van Ven is close to agreeing a new five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur, securing the Dutch defender's long-term future at the club. Winger Jeremy is the latest Manchester City player to commit his future to the club after signing a new contract until 2031. Tottenham's interest in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has been examined through the data, with analysts assessing how the Dutchman could fit into Roberto de Zerbi's side. Chris Smalling's career journey — from snubbing university to genetics testing for supplements, and working with Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho — has been profiled as the veteran defender searches for a new club. Ferran Torres has come under fire from Barcelona supporters after leaving the door open to a potential move away from the club, with the World Cup hero's future at the Camp Nou in doubt. The most romantic signing of the summer came early with Raul Jimenez returning to Wolves, a move that means far more to supporters than a simple transfer.

World Cup Fallout and National Celebrations

Spain "deserves" to host the 2030 World Cup final, according to the country's sports minister Milagros Tolón, who has staked a strong claim for the showpiece event. The Argentine Football Association has announced 15 July as National Football Teams Day to mark Argentina's 2026 World Cup semi-final victory over England, a provocative but significant move. BBC Sport has looked back at some of the players whose standout performances at the World Cup earned a big transfer, highlighting the tournament's role as a shop window. Real Madrid big to add World Cup star Yan Diomande to an attack that already features Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior, and analysts have examined how he will fit into the star-studded frontline. The men's transfer grades have been published, with Real Madrid earning a B for the Diomande deal in the 2026 summer window. Several U.S. have found new homes this summer, with ESPN grading the biggest USMNT deals including Arfsten earning a B+ for his move to Middlesbrough.

MLS and International Action

Lionel Messi a stellar pair of goals to guide his team to a come-from-behind 4-2 rout of Atlético de San Luis in its first game of the 2026 Leagues Cup, showing the Argentine star remains in devastating form. 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, giving fans a glimpse of authentic American soccer culture. United teenager JJ Gabriel has been given a trading card made with real 24-carat gold, days after making his unofficial senior debut for the club, a remarkable accolade for the young prospect.

Tragedy and Off-Field News

Former Manchester and Wales striker Mark Hughes' son Alex Hughes died of sudden adult death syndrome, with the 27-year-old found collapsed at his home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, on 19 June by his two sons. Uganda midfielder Owori was murdered in a street gang attack, with the 27-year-old killed by suspected robbers after resisting an attempt to rob him, police say. National League has suspended Ebbsfleet United's first three National League South games of the season because of the club's financial problems, a worrying development for the club. Former AC Milan and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato is a member of a consortium which is set to buy a majority stake in League Two club Northampton Town, BBC Sport understands. Bangor striker Arthurs is free to play in his club's first game of the 2026-27 Irish Premiership season having completed a three-month anti-doping ban.

Domestic Cup Action