Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 8, 2026, 3:16 AM ET

Transfer Window Heats Up

Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Marseille for around £17m. The Premier League champions are also exploring a move for Enzo Fernández as a potential replacement for Rodri. In a surprise development, Liverpool have agreed a loan deal for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo for the season. Atletico Madrid are in talks with Tottenham over signing captain Cristian Romero, while Newcastle have rejected a Manchester United approach for full-back Lewis Hall.

Arsenal could hijack Liverpool's move for Bradley Barcola, though the Reds have yet to agree a fee. The Gunners also face competition from Manchester United for Pio Esposito, while Manchester United continue to explore a move for USMNT left-back Antonee Robinson. Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu following a successful pre-season trial. Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono has joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan. Coventry City have signed Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi for a club-record fee, and Hull City have secured Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl on a five-year contract from Tromso. Notts County have signed Northampton Town midfielder Dean Campbell. In MLS, Hirving "Chucky" Lozano has joined the LA Galaxy on an initial loan deal from San Diego FC through the rest of 2026.

Carabao Cup First Round Action

The EFL Cup returned with a bang, featuring a historic weekend of fixtures. Will Lankshear's debut strike ensured Middlesbrough beat Wrexham 1-0 in the first round. BBC Sport looks at some of the wildest scorelines the competition has ever produced. The second-round draw takes place on Monday, with 11 Premier League teams entering. Wolves also progressed, beating Port Vale 3-0, while Stevenage advanced as well. The bulk of the first round's fixtures are taking place on a weekend rather than the traditional midweek slot.

Premier League & European Clubs News

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert says the image of the "Spygate" scandal is "far from the truth." Newcastle's sporting director Ross Wilson confirmed that Bruno Guimaraes was "very emotional" about his departure to Arsenal. Conor Gallagher is ready to show what he can do under De Zerbi at Tottenham. Myles Lewis-Skelly has a chance to threaten Arsenal's big-name midfielders. West Ham's David Sullivan is expected to ignore safety advice and attend Saturday's cup tie. Barcelona have canceled a pre-season friendly in Morocco due to the border crisis in Ceuta.

Major Transfers & Player Moves

Real Madrid's decision to sign Yan Diomande is analyzed, as is how Vinícius Júnior signed his new six-year contract at the Bernabéu. Mohamed Salah's surprising move to Trabzonspor from Liverpool is examined. The USMNT summer transfer grades are out, with Max Arfsten earning a B+ for his move to Middlesbrough. Meanwhile, the Premier League's struggle to attract the world's best players is put under the microscope.

International Football & Governance

The Norwegian Football Federation has called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign amid the World Cup ownership scandal, while Mexico and Argentina have expressed support. UEFA is aware of an allegation it paid off Infantino's alleged mistress while he worked for them. A look at potential challengers to Infantino for the FIFA presidency is detailed. France still plans to compete in the U20 Women's World Cup despite a UEFA boycott threat. USWNT coach Emma Hayes urged focus on youth development. Argentina will not pressure Lionel Messi over the 2028 Copa América.

Scottish Football & EFL

The Scottish FA will hold a "critically important" summit on the future of the game. The Scottish Premiership previews are in, looking at early troubles for title hopefuls and a summer malaise in Europe. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is in "good form" after being released from hospital. Partick Thistle's promotion push gets a boost. The National League returns, looking to live up to last season's drama. A secret invite and other "pinch-me" moments are remembered from Leicester's 2016 title win.

Boxing, Darts & Other Sports

Undisputed bantamweight champion Cherneka Johnson bids to dethrone "queen" Dina Thorslund. Callum Walsh dismisses a Stevie McKenna call-out, preferring a world title fight with Aaron McKenna. Experts make their predictions for the McKenna vs. Oliha and Walsh vs. Denny clashes. Dana White says he knows the venue for the Fury-Joshua fight. Raymond van Barneveld has been fined and suspended by the Darts Regulation Authority. Sian Massey-Ellis has retired from officiating to take up a new role with the FA.

Rugby, Cricket & Other Sport

New Zealand began their South Africa tour with a 38-21 win over the Stormers. In Super League, Leeds Rhinos pulled off a 24-22 comeback win over Wakefield. England opener Emilio Gay retired hurt with a shoulder injury while batting for Durham. In The Hundred, Phoebe Litchfield hit the fastest fifty in the competition's history as Sun Risers Leeds eliminated Birmingham Phoenix. The men's Phoenix side was also eliminated. The qualification permutations for The Hundred are laid out.

Golf, Racing & Tennis

Charley Hull surged up the leaderboard at the PIF London Championship with a course-record. At the Shergar Cup at Ascot, experts give their tips for the Sprint. Hollie Doyle previews the international contest, live on Sky Sports Racing. Jack Draper will play the Cincinnati Open despite arm injury fears.

Other News & Features

The FA has banned solid perimeter walls around pitches following the death of Billy Vigar. A quiz to guess Premier League star No. 19 is live. Life as a Wag in the transfer window is explored. A man has a museum of footballs in his home. Manchester United teen JJ Gabriel has been given a 24-carat gold trading card. England striker Ivan Toney has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm. Emma Hayes said she is "delighted" that Mauricio Pochettino signed a new deal. World Cup burnout is hitting elite clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool. San Jose has hired ex-Portland executive Gavin Wilkinson as a consultant. A look at Vozinha and Salah's amazing transfer unveilings. Bayern Munich beat Aston Villa 2-1 in Hong Kong. The women's football season key dates are detailed. Liverpool are not pursuing a move for Djed Spence.