Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 9:34 AM ET

Transfer Window Moves

Jérémy Doku has signed a new five-year contract at Manchester City, becoming the latest player to extend his stay at the Etihad. City have also rejected a fresh £55m bid from Barcelona for Spain star Rodri, while the LaLiga side continue to pursue the World Cup winner. Meanwhile, Galatasaray have made a €45m bid for Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, as confirmed by sources. Chelsea have set a Friday deadline for Enzo Fernández at £120m, with Manchester City reportedly interested. In a separate deal, Atlético Madrid and Spurs have agreed a €40m deal for defender Cristian Romero. Romelu Lukaku has sealed an emotional move to Fenerbahce from Napoli for a reported €6m.

Chelsea continue to reshape their squad, with Pep Chavarría becoming the ninth first-team addition of the summer. The club is also looking at sales, with several stars available including Enzo Fernández and Malo Gusto. Arsenal have reignited interest in Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa as they search for a centre-back. Crystal Palace had a verbal bid rejected for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara. Hull City have signed Nobel Mendy from Rayo Vallecano for a club record fee, along with centre-back Lucas Herrington.

Mikel Arteta has welcomed speculation around Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Celtic are linked with Chelsea’s Emenalo on loan and have signed winger Haissem Hassan on a four-year deal. Jamie O’Hara has urged Spurs to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United, who themselves are facing questions over Bruno Fernandes’ future. Newcastle United are pushing for Benfica’s Amar Dedic, per Thursday's gossip. Wayne Rooney will co-host a new Man Utd show with Mark Goldbridge this season.

Pre-Season and Super Cup Action

PSG beat Aston Villa 2-1 to win the UEFA Super Cup in a match that saw a breakout performance from 17-year-old Villa striker Brian Madjo, who scored on his debut. Villa are also closing in on Atlético defender Matteo Ruggeri. In other friendlies, Real Madrid beat Deportivo 1-0 with a first-half goal from Brahim Diaz. Everton breezed past Newcastle 3-1 at Murrayfield, while Arsenal were held 1-1 by Como before winning 4-3 on penalties, with Myles Lewis-Skelly scoring. Manchester United beat Leeds United 5-4 on penalties in Dublin, with Noussair Mazraoui scoring the decisive spot-kick after pitch invaders showed ‘big love’ for United. Fulham's pre-season friendly against Malaga ended in chaos as the Cottagers left the pitch before a penalty shootout, allowing Malaga to score into an empty net.

The Community Shield is this weekend, but history suggests the result does not preview the Premier League. West Ham will be playing in the Championship for the first time in 14 years. Sunderland are aiming to defy Premier League doubters again after last season’s shock run. EFL matches at 3pm on Saturday are being shown on TV because the ‘3pm blackout’ is not being enforced this weekend.

Wafcon and International

Cameroon stunned Morocco at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, with goalkeeper Michaely Bihina saving an extra-time penalty and three more in the shootout to send her side to the final. The Chawinga sisters fired Malawi into the final with a 3-1 win over Algeria, with Tabitha and Temwa each scoring. The Netherlands have appointed Xavi as coach through 2030 following Ronald Koeman's resignation. Youri Tielemans credits FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card for inspiring Belgium's World Cup knockout win over the United States. The Football Association of Ireland withdraws support for Infantino, while the IFA backs Uefa’s stance. South America is lukewarm on the 2030 World Cup on home soil due to its limited role.

Messi and Tributes

Lionel Messi returned to the Inter Miami bench for their Leagues Cup game against Club Leon following the death of his father, Jorge. He paid tribute on Instagram and later made a substitute appearance. BBC Sport looks back at Messi’s most iconic moments as he ponders retirement.

Other Football News

Retiring referee Anthony Taylor says his decision to quit was partly due to the toxic debate around officials. The Hundred is reaching its climax with Eliminators and Finals scheduled. MI London’s title defence is over despite a narrow win over Phoenix in the men’s competition, while Birmingham Phoenix won the wooden-spoon battle in the women’s. Everton forward Martin Sherif has been charged with 61 alleged bets on matches. A solar eclipse will occur during Barcelona’s match against Montpellier, with advice to keep eyes on the ball. Sports fans in the UK experienced a partial solar eclipse at events including Edgbaston. Former Northern Ireland international Stuart Dallas backs Shea Charles to thrive at Fulham, and Ethan Galbraith’s switch to Stoke. Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid is described as his biggest challenge by those who know him. The Chicago Stars fired head coach Martin Sjögren with the club bottom of the NWSL. Chucky Lozano is called a ‘perfect football fit’ for the Galaxy after his San Diego exit. ESPN has ranked the 30 best men’s soccer club managers in Europe. The transfer grades for the summer window include Chelsea getting a B for Chavarría. A quiz asks readers to identify Premier League star No. 24. The Scottish football podcast discusses four clubs in European action. The ‘Good Morning Transfers’ show is available for free streaming on Sky Sports News. Barcelona and Real Madrid have released new third kits for 2026-27. Diego Simeone and Julian Alvarez held talks at Atlético Madrid about the forward’s situation. Galatasaray’s bid for Martinelli is also listed in Thursday's gossip. Arsenal have held further talks over Villa’s Konsa, according to paper reports. Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are actively chasing more signings. Manchester City have signed goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Marseille. Chelsea could target Martín Zubimendi if Enzo Fernández leaves for Manchester City. Barcelona and Real Madrid are both keen on Rodri, but Manchester City may hold firm. The LIV Golf season finale in Michigan is reportedly cancelled as tickets are pulled.