Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 9:12 PM ET

Transfer Window Heats Up

Chelsea have set a Friday deadline for clubs to meet their £120m valuation of Enzo Fernández, with Manchester City reportedly interested. If Enzo departs, the Blues could target Arsenal's Martín Zubimendi as a replacement. Meanwhile, Galatasaray have made a €45m bid for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, and the Gunners are inviting offers for both Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri. The Turkish club’s offer was confirmed in Thursday's gossip roundup. Arsenal are also in fresh talks over Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. At Manchester City, Jérémy Doku signed a new five-year deal, while the club rejected a £55m bid from Barcelona for midfielder Rodri. A BBC Sport analysis examines potential Rodri replacements. Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says the club want and need more signings before the window closes. The same message appeared in Carrick's call for more business at United. Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara urged Spurs to sign Marcus Rashford from United.

La Liga, MLS and Scottish Moves

Celta Vigo postponed their LaLiga opener against Osasuna due to a fungus outbreak on their pitch. The BBC confirmed the same story separately. LAFC signed Bayern Munich forward Armindo Sieb through 2028. Enes Unal completed a move from Bournemouth to Getafe on a free transfer. Celtic signed Mika Baur from Paderborn for an undisclosed fee, and are also linked with Chelsea's Emenalo on loan. PSV winger Couhaib Driouech is at Ibrox ahead of an expected Rangers move.

Controversy and Community Shield

Fulham's pre-season friendly against Málaga ended in chaos when Fulham walked off and the Spanish side scored into an empty net. The BBC also covered the same incident. Meanwhile, the Community Shield's history shows it rarely predicts Premier League success. 20 key figures who will define the coming season were highlighted.

Championship, West Ham, and Sunderland

West Ham’s boardroom battle is heating up as the Championship begins. Analysts ask if West Ham will bounce back to the Premier League. Sunderland are fourth favourites for relegation despite last season’s heroics. Leicester City was put up for sale for over £200m by Thai owners. EFL matches at 3pm on Saturday are now on TV because the ‘3pm blackout’ is not enforced this weekend.

Manager Rankings and Premier League Changes

ESPN ranked the top 30 men's club managers in Europe. Premier League shirts will change as gambling sponsors are banned from the front, replaced by tech and finance brands. Wayne Rooney will co-host a new Manchester United show alongside Mark Goldbridge.

FIFA Politics and Referee Stories

Six Arab federations backed Gianni Infantino as FIFA president. The FAI withdrew support for Infantino while the IFA backs Uefa. Retiring referee Anthony Taylor cited toxic debate around officials. Somali referee Omar Artan made history at the UEFA Super Cup after being denied entry to the US for the World Cup. Wesley Fofana opened up about handling online hate at Chelsea.

European Season Start and Super Cup

Major European leagues start this week, with big stories across La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga. Football is back without hydration breaks – here's how to watch. Aston Villa’s Brian Madjo shone in their 2-1 Super Cup defeat to PSG. Youri Tielemans apologised to Villa fans after his Manchester United remarks. A bid battle for Tim Payne’s debut shirt erupted after his Olimpia appearance. Four Scottish clubs are in European action this Thursday. Rangers made five changes for their match against Jagiellonia Bialystok. Championship predictions include Wolves to fall flat on opening night. Why half of England's World Cup defenders are on the move.

Cricket

In cricket, The Hundred awards were handed out by Nasser Hussain and Stuart Broad. Michael Atherton argued England must become Joe Root's team after his reappointment as Test captain. Australia were humbled by Bangladesh on day one of the first Test, with Hasan Mahmud taking 6-55.

Tennis, Boxing, and Other Sports

In tennis, Jack Draper blew six set points and lost in the Cincinnati first round. Rafael Jodar’s bid for history was halted by Brandon Nakashima at the Canadian Open, while Elena Rybakina beat Coco Gauff. In boxing, Craig Richards will face Radivoje Kalajdzic on a Fisher bill. Damar Thomas chases his own legacy after Commonwealth gold. On the horse racing circuit, Hollie Doyle previews Newbury and Ripon cards. Windsor and Lingfield host Thursday evening racing live on Sky Sports Racing.

Rugby League and Formula 1

Super League received an investment offer from Australia’s National Rugby League. In Formula, Kimi Antonelli is on course to become the youngest-ever world champion; we examine where he would rank among surprise title winners.