Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 6:16 AM ET

Transfers & Rumors

The summer transfer window remains feverish. Manchester City rejected a fresh £55m bid from Barcelona for World Cup winner Rodri, while sources confirmed Barcelona and Real Madrid both covet the midfielder. Chelsea are threatening to sell Enzo Fernández after setting Manchester City a Friday 5pm deadline to bid; the Blues could then target Arsenal's Martín Zubimendi as a replacement. Atlético Madrid agreed a €34.2m deal for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, with sources putting the fee at €40m. Romelu Lukaku sealed an "emotional" move to Fenerbahce from Napoli for €6m, while Galatasaray submitted a bid for Gabriel Martinelli. Arsenal reignited interest in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa and held further talks over the defender. Crystal Palace had a verbal bid for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara rejected. Aston Villa close in on Atlético's Matteo Ruggeri.

Done Deals & Chelsea Overhaul

Chelsea earned a B for signing "King of Duels" Pep Chavarría, who became the ninth new first-team addition. The Blues have also listed several stars for sale, including Nicolas Jackson and Malo Gusto. Hull City confirmed a club-record fee for Nobel Mendy and added Lucas Herrington. Celtic signed Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo on a four-year deal, and they want Chelsea's Emenalo on loan. Manchester City signed goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Marseille. All August 2026 deals are tracked.

Super Cup & Pre-Season Friendlies

Paris Saint-Germain beat Aston Villa 2-1 to win the UEFA Super Cup, with Désiré Doué scoring the winner. Villa's 17-year-old Brian Madjo scored on debut, ending an eight-month wait. Manchester United beat Leeds 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Dublin, with Noussair Mazraoui converting the decisive spot-kick amid pitch invaders. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Como before winning 4-3 on penalties; Myles Lewis-Skelly scored and Bruno Guimaraes made his debut. Everton strolled to a 3-1 win over Newcastle at Murrayfield. Real Madrid beat Deportivo La Coruña 1-0. Fulham's pre-season friendly against Málaga ended chaotically as they left the pitch before a penalty shootout. Barcelona and Montpellier will play during a solar eclipse, with advice to "keep your eyes on the ball."

Managerial Moves & Club News

The Netherlands have appointed Xavi as coach through the 2030 World Cup. Jose Mourinho is back at Real Madrid, tasked with restoring former glory. Diego Simeone and Julián Álvarez held talks at Atlético Madrid after the forward's transfer request. Mikel Arteta welcomed speculation around Lewis-Skelly and says Arsenal are actively chasing signings after Guimarães's debut. The Chicago Stars fired coach Martin Sjögren, last in the NWSL. Cadillac sacked F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon, replacing him with Marcin Budkowski. La Liga will inspect Celta Vigo's pitch after a fungus outbreak.

Wafcon & International Action

Cameroon's Michaely Bihina saved four penalties to upset host nation Morocco and reach the Wafcon final. The Chawinga sisters — Tabitha and Temwa — fired Malawi into the final with a 3-1 win over Algeria. Youri Tielemans credited FIFA's U-turn on Folarin Balogun's red card for inspiring Belgium's World Cup win. The South Korea FA apologized amid a sexual favours scandal and police raid. Everton's Martin Sherif was charged with 61 alleged bets.

Messi & Player News

Lionel Messi returned to the Inter Miami bench after his father's death, hinting at retirement. He paid an emotional tribute to his father on Instagram. BBC Sport looks back at his most iconic moments. Tyler Tielemans gave his first extended interview after his £35m move to Manchester United, saying "I owe Villa the world but Man Utd are above them." He admitted he did not expect to leave Villa this summer. Bruno Fernandes remains the centre of attention at Manchester United.

Match Highlights & Leagues

Brandon Nakashima beat Spanish teen Rafael Jodar at the Canadian Open; Elena Rybakina defeated Coco Gauff. MI London saw their Hundred title defence end despite beating Birmingham Phoenix, while Birmingham Phoenix avoided the wooden spoon. Sunderland defied doubters last season and face European commitments. The Community Shield history shows it's a misleading Premier League preview. Premier League kits for 2026-27 are ranked, and both Barcelona and Real Madrid released Clásico third kits. The relegated trio — West Ham, Burnley, Wolves — face the Championship. South America is lukewarm on the 2030 World Cup's limited role.

Other Sports & Miscellany

Kimi Antonelli is on course to become F1's youngest champion. Rory McIlroy returns for Fed ExCup Playoffs. Ronnie O'Sullivan lost early at the China Open. Joe Root removed England's curfew. The New Zealand Darts Masters schedule is set. Arthur Fery feels no added pressure as British No. Damar Thomas chases his own legacy after AJ comparisons. Caroline Dubois may face Elif Nur Turhan after MVP signing. Alex Coles and Asher Opoku-Fordjour got enhanced England contracts. Chucky Lozano is a "perfect fit" for LA Galaxy after San Diego fallout. James McClean remains a Derry City player. The Tennent's Soccer Sixes returns as a legends event. Vikings confirmed Murray as starting QB. Sky Sports Racing features Windsor and Lingfield. Good Morning Transfers is streaming free on Sky Sports.