Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 6:26 PM ET

Transfer Market Frenzy

Enzo Fernández could be on his way out of Chelsea after the club set a Friday deadline for clubs to meet his £120 million valuation. Sources say Manchester City are among the suitors, prompting Chelsea to eye Martín Zubimendi from Arsenal as a replacement. The Gunners are busy themselves, holding fresh talks over Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa while also inviting offers for Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri. Galatasaray have formally submitted a €45 million bid for Martinelli, according to sources.

Atlético Madrid have agreed a €40 million deal with Tottenham for defender Cristian Romero, while Julián Álvarez has held talks with Diego Simeone amid his own transfer request. Manchester City have rejected a fresh £55 million bid from Barcelona for Rodri, with the club now assessing options to replace the midfielder. Meanwhile, Jérémy Doku signed a new five-year deal at City, while Tijjani Reijnders eyes a move to Al-Qadsiah.

Premier League Movement & Rumours

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has said the club want and need more signings before the window closes, also discussing Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo. Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara urged Spurs to sign Rashford, calling Roberto De Zerbi "perfect" for him. Elsewhere, Romelu Lukaku sealed an "emotional" move to Fenerbahce from Napoli, and Enes Unal left Bournemouth to rejoin Getafe on a free. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta welcomed speculation around Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Youri Tielemans apologised to Aston Villa fans after suggesting he moved to a bigger club at Manchester United.

La Liga & European Action

Celta Vigo's La Liga opener against Osasuna was postponed due to a fungus outbreak on the pitch at Balaídos. La Liga officials inspected the field and confirmed the delay. In friendlies, Real Madrid beat Deportivo La Coruña 1-0 with a Brahim Díaz goal as Antonio Silva and Denzel Dumfries started. Fulham's pre-season match against Málaga ended in chaos when the Premier League side walked off the pitch and coach Álvaro Arbeloa was red-carded; Málaga then scored into an empty net. The incident was repeated when Fulham left the field before a penalty shootout.

Barcelona will play Montpellier during a solar eclipse in Spain. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid released new third kits for the 2026-27 season. In the Super Cup, Aston Villa lost 2-1 to PSG but saw 17-year-old Brian Madjo impress; Madjo scored on his debut after an eight-month wait. Villa also lost Brian Madjo's registration? Actually it's the same story. We'll use one link per article. We'll use the BBC link for Madjo's debut: Madjo.

Scottish & Lower League News

Celtic signed German midfielder Mika Baur from Paderborn for an undisclosed fee, while they are also linked with Chelsea's Emenalo on loan. Rangers face Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europa League qualifying, with five changes made and PSV winger Couhaib Driouech at Ibrox ahead of a move. The Scottish Football Podcast discussed four Scottish clubs in European action.

West Ham begin their Championship campaign after relegation; analysis of whether they can bounce back and the boardroom battle behind the scenes. Leicester City have been put up for sale by Thai owners King Power for more than £200 million. Sunderland were fourth favourites for relegation last season but defied odds; can they repeat with European commitments?

Season Previews & League Kick-offs

The Premier League season is almost here, and ESPN identifies the 20 people who will define the campaign. The Community Shield history shows it rarely predicts the title. Sky Sports provides a guide on how to watch the new season. BBC Sport looks at the big stories in Europe's leagues starting this week. The ban on gambling sponsors will change Premier League shirts. Championship predictions include Wolves to fall flat on opening night. EFL matches at 3pm on Saturday are being shown on TV this weekend due to relaxation of the blackout.

FIFA & Governance

Six Arab football federations expressed full support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino amid the failed World Cup plan row. However, the Football Association of Ireland withdrew support for Infantino, while the Irish FA backs Uefa. South America is lukewarm on the 2030 World Cup due to limited hosting role. Somali referee Omar Artan, denied entry to the U.S. for the World Cup, went on to officiate the UEFA Super Cup. Retiring referee Anthony Taylor cited toxic debate around officials as a factor in his decision.

Other Football News

LAFC signed forward Armindo Sieb from Bayern Munich through 2028. Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami's bench after his father's death. Noussair Mazraoui kept his cool as pitch invaders delayed a penalty shootout in Manchester United's friendly win over Leeds. Tim Payne's debut shirt sparked a bidding war after he played for Olimpia. Cameroon beat Morocco to reach the Wafcon final after goalkeeper Michaely Bihina saved four penalties. Super League received an investment offer from Australia's National Rugby League.

Wayne Rooney will co-host a new Manchester United show with Mark Goldbridge. ESPN ranked the 30 best managers in Europe. Why half of England's World Cup defenders are on the move. Thursday's gossip includes Galatasaray's bid for Martinelli and other rumours. Papers report Arsenal hold further talks over Konsa.

Other Sports

In tennis, Jack Draper lost at the Cincinnati Open after blowing six set points. Rafael Jodar was beaten by Brandon Nakashima at the Canadian Open, while Elena Rybakina beat Coco Gauff. In cricket, Stuart Broad and Nasser Hussain gave player awards for The Hundred 2026. Michael Atherton said England must become Joe Root's team. Australia were humbled by Bangladesh in the first Test, with Hasan Mahmud taking 6-55. Horse racing: Hollie Doyle tips Coppull in the Hungerford at Newbury, live on Sky Sports Racing. Windsor and Lingfield feature Thursday evening. Boxing: Craig Richards faces Radivoje Kalajdzic on a Zuffa Boxing bill. Damar Thomas aims for his own legacy after Commonwealth gold. F1: Kimi Antonelli is on course to become the youngest ever world champion.