Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 7, 2026, 4:53 PM ET

Transfer Window Buzz

Manchester City are reportedly eyeing Enzo Fernández as a potential replacement for Rodri, while Arsenal and Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Shakhtar Donetsk forward Kauã Elias. Coventry City completed a club‑record signing of Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, and Crystal Palace have signed Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu following a successful trial. Hull City added Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto‑Dahl on a five‑year deal from Tromsø, while Birmingham City brought in France youth forward Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre for £100,000. Franco Mastantuono has joined Fiorentina on a season‑long loan from Real Madrid, and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano moved to LA Galaxy on an initial loan from San Diego FC.

Newcastle United have rejected a Manchester United enquiry for full‑back Lewis Hall, insisting he is not for sale. Atletico Madrid are in talks with Tottenham over signing captain Cristian Romero, and Liverpool are not pursuing Djed Spence this summer despite earlier links. Chelsea face a squad‑reduction challenge with 41 senior players and 25 days left in the window. Manchester United continue to explore a move for USMNT left‑back Antonee Robinson, while both Celtic and Rangers have submitted offers for wingers and Anderlecht are in advanced talks for Dundee United’s Will Ferry.

FIFA and International Football

Norway’s football federation has called on Gianni Infantino to resign after his attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup, while Mexico and Argentina have expressed support for the embattled FIFA president. Potential rivals are reportedly circling to unseat Infantino following his private‑equity plan. Spain’s sports minister insists the country “deserves” to host the 2030 World Cup final. Argentina will not put pressure on Lionel Messi to play at the 2028 Copa América, leaving the decision entirely to him. France still plan to take part in the U‑20 Women’s World Cup next month despite a UEFA boycott threat.

Premier League and EFL

Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal players were “fuming” after a 3‑1 preseason loss to Real Betis in Dublin. Vinícius Júnior ended speculation of a move by signing a new six‑year contract at Real Madrid, and Real Madrid also added World Cup star Yan Diomande to their forward line. Bayern Munich held off a late Aston Villa fightback to win 2‑1 in Hong Kong. Conor Gallagher is ready to show his quality under Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham. Barcelona cancelled a pre‑season friendly in Morocco because of the ongoing Ceuta border crisis.

England striker Ivan Toney has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm following a nightclub incident in December 2025. Newcastle’s “very emotional” captain Bruno Guimarães wanted to join Arsenal, according to sporting director Ross Wilson. Southampton boss Tonda Eckert said the “Spygate” image was “far from the truth” and thanked owner Dragon Solak for backing him. David Sullivan is expected to attend West Ham’s EFL Cup tie against Portsmouth despite safety advice to stay away. The FA has banned solid perimeter walls around pitches after the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar. Liverpool have invested £60m in central defender Jeremy Jacquet and hope the Frenchman will be the “real deal.” Myles Lewis‑Skelly has a chance to threaten Arsenal’s big‑name midfielders after breaking into the first team at left‑back. The EFL Cup second‑round draw takes place on Monday, with 11 Premier League teams entering. The bulk of first‑round fixtures will be played on a weekend rather than midweek.

Scottish Football

Hearts were thrashed 6‑1 by Benfica, all but ending their Europa League hopes, while Hibs secured a vital win and Motherwell drew in Helsinki. Rangers’ old habits haunted them under new manager Derek McInnes, losing 1‑0 to Jagiellonia Białystok in the Europa League. Scottish clubs have endured a mixed night in Europe, with supporters and former player Scott Allan reacting to the results. The Scottish Football Association is holding a “critically important” summit on the future of the national game. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is out of hospital and in “good form,” according to Shaun Maloney. The Scottish Premiership returns this weekend with stuttering starts and goals galore, and Partick Thistle’s promotion bid gets a boost from Ben Stanway signing a new contract.

Women’s Football

Emma Hayes has urged US Soccer to prioritize the U‑20 Women’s World Cup to help American youth match European development. Phoebe Litchfield hit the fastest fifty in The Hundred women’s competition as Sun Risers Leeds eliminated Birmingham Phoenix. Assistant referee Sian Massey‑Ellis has retired and will take up a new role with the FA. Mariona Caldentey says Arsenal are targeting the Treble after strengthening with seven new players. Key dates for the 2026‑27 women’s football season have been outlined by BBC Sport.

Other Football News

The long‑awaited Fury‑Joshua heavyweight showdown will take place “where the money is,” says Dana White. Mohamed Salah’s transfer to Trabzonspor was an amazing unveiling, and Salah’s departure from Liverpool for a Turkish club has raised questions about the Premier League’s ability to attract top stars. Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel was given a 24‑carat gold trading card after his unofficial senior debut. Leicester City are now in League One but still remember the “pinch‑me” moments of their 2016 Premier League title. The National League kicks off on Saturday after last season’s dramatic finale. Zeph Thomas, whose career spanned 39 moves across five countries, is now preparing for his FA Cup debut as a manager. A Devon man has collected more than 80 Mitre footballs displayed above his stairs.