Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 6:01 AM ET

Transfer Market

Arsenal have signed Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle in a £75m deal, with the midfielder declaring "I'm your warrior" upon arrival. The move has sparked analysis of where Guimaraes fits into Mikel Arteta's midfield. In other midfield news, Manchester City are refusing to sanction a cut-price Rodri departure amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, valuing the Spaniard at over €70m. Barcelona have reportedly made a second bid for Rodri, while also facing a request from Ferran Torres, who has told Barça he wants to go to PSG. Meanwhile, Cristian Romero is reportedly open to joining Arsenal but Tottenham are resisting. Ipswich Town have signed midfielder Sasa Lukic from Fulham for an undisclosed fee, and Middlesbrough have signed Manchester United keeper Radek Vitek. The LA Galaxy have confirmed the signing of former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto. Aberdeen have bought versatile Belgian forward Mitchy Ntelo from Yverdon-Sport. Rangers have made an improved offer for PSV's Couhaib Driouech, according to gossip.

Pre-Season Friendlies & Cups

Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Real Betis' Antony were both sent off in a pre-season friendly following a confrontation, with the match ending 2-2. Newcastle United began the Matthias Jaissle era with a win, as Yoane Wissa's double gave Jaissle a winning start against 10-man Valencia. Jaissle later said he is not planning to "smash the locker room" after the victory. In the same match, Hornicek and Bamba were handed debuts by the new head coach. Manchester United drew 1-1 with PSG in Gothenburg, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring the equaliser, while new signing Youri Tielemans made an impressive cameo that hinted at his future at the club. In the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup, Udinese upset Barcelona and Nottingham Forest to win the trophy. Two former Liverpool legends met in Malaysia, with Luis Garcia saying he hopes Xabi Alonso's Chelsea finish second to Liverpool in the Premier League.

Women's Football

The biggest story in women's football is Alexia Putellas' arrival at London City Lionesses, described as the biggest transfer in WSL history. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner has already joined the Women's Football Weekly podcast to discuss her move. Algeria have reached the Women's World Cup for the first time after securing a semifinal spot at WAFCON.

Major News & Off-Field

The football world mourns the death of Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, who died at age 68. Inter Miami paid tribute to their absent captain as Messi missed the Leagues Cup game against Monterrey following his father's death. In contract news, Vinícius Júnior ended speculation of a move to Arsenal by signing a new six-year deal at Real Madrid, with an inside look at how the contract was sealed. Trent Alexander-Arnold faces a defining second season at Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho, as the fullback looks to prove his worth. FIFA has hit out at a campaign to "undermine" president Gianni Infantino, while Norway has told Infantino to quit amid Mexico's backing. The Scottish FA is to hold a "critically important" summit on the future of Scottish football. San Jose has hired former Portland executive Gavin Wilkinson as a consultant, despite his controversial exit. Emma Hayes said she is "delighted" that Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new deal to remain U.S. men's coach, as Hayes praises the extension. Wolverhampton Wanderers legend Phil Parkes has died at age 79. A tech investors' plan to buy a stake in the World Cup has raised questions about whether football is AI-proof.

Domestic Competitions & European News

In the Scottish Premiership, St Mirren continued to defy expectations by going top of the table after a 1-0 win over St Johnstone, with Killian Phillips on target again. The club was tipped for relegation but have started with two opening wins. Dundee earned their first points with a 2-0 victory over Aberdeen, as Joe Bevan scored a double. Scotland is closing in on a new head coach to replace Steve Clarke. In the Carabao Cup first round, Burnley edged past Notts County on penalties, with Kyle Walker scoring the decider. Middlesbrough beat Wrexham 1-0 as Will Lankshear scored on debut. Other Carabao Cup action saw Saints take a late lead and Charlton and West Brom winning. Atlético Madrid's Diego Simeone insists the club's position on Julián Álvarez is unchanged despite Barcelona interest. Transfer rumors have Arsenal and Man Utd both wanting Inter's Pio Esposito, and Marcus Rashford is set to rejoin Man Utd for preseason camp. Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah featured in one of the most amazing transfer unveilings alongside Vozinha. A survey of the best new kits for the 2026-27 season includes clubs from around the world – vote for your top 10. Finally, an analysis reveals which elite clubs, including Arsenal and Liverpool, are struggling with World Cup burnout.