Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 15, 2026, 2:33 PM ET

Transfer News and Signings

Cristian Romero has officially transferred from Tottenham Hotspur to Atlético Madrid, with both clubs confirming the deal. Elsewhere in the transfer market, England defender Djed Spence has completed a move from Tottenham Hotspur to Inter Milan, signing a five-year contract. Paris Saint-Germain has also been active, securing the signing of World Cup winner Ferran Torres from Barcelona for £42.7 million. In other defensive moves, Sunderland has agreed to a £25.6 million fee to sign left-back Dayann Methalie from Toulouse. Rangers have brought in left-back James Penrice on loan from Greek champions AEK Athens, with an option to buy. Crystal Palace has signed Israeli international Ana Khalaili on a deal that runs until 2031. Hull City has bolstered their squad by signing English forward Joe Gelhardt from Leeds and French midfielder Lucas Gourna-Douath from Red Bull Salzburg. Burnley has secured the services of Chelsea's new teenage winger Dastan Satpayev on a season-long loan.

Preseason Friendlies and Results

In preseason action, Chelsea secured a 3-1 friendly victory over Real Sociedad, with Morgan Rogers scoring his first goal for the club on his debut. Manager Xabi Alonso offered a glimpse of his tactical blueprint in his first game in charge. Manchester United suffered a 4-2 defeat against AC Milan, with Bruno Fernandes missing a penalty for the second consecutive preseason match. Tottenham Hotspur recorded a 3-0 home win against Hoffenheim, with Mikey Moore scoring twice. Newcastle United notably changed shirts during the first half of their friendly against Bayer Leverkusen.

League and Cup Action

The new season of LaLiga is set to commence, though the opening weekend will not feature any matches from the traditional top three clubs: Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético. In the Championship, Bolton secured their first league win since March 2019 by defeating Preston 2-1. Stockport eased to a 3-1 opening-day victory at Plymouth. In League One, Huddersfield saw off Wimbledon 3-0, and Charlton secured a 2-1 win over Derby thanks to Tyreece Campbell's late goal. Fleetwood Town began their campaign with a 1-0 victory at Chesterfield, with Ched Evans scoring the decisive goal. In League Two, Walsall achieved a 3-0 away win against Gillingham, and Newport enjoyed a dream start under new manager Hayden Mullins, defeating Rochdale 3-0. Crewe secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Crawley in a match that saw both teams reduced to nine men. Mansfield made a winning start by narrowly beating Doncaster 2-1. Accrington drew 2-2 with Colchester, with Charlie Caton scoring both goals for Accrington. QPR came from behind to beat Portsmouth 3-1, with Ilias Chair scoring twice. Oldham started their League Two campaign with a 2-0 home win against Port Vale, thanks to a second-half brace from Calum Kavanagh. Notts County earned a 1-1 draw against former Premier League champions Leicester.

Cricket and Other Sports

Pakistan warmed up for their Test series against England with a seven-wicket win over a County Select XI, with Saud Shakeel scoring an unbeaten hundred and Imam-ul-Haq contributing 80 runs. Eleanor Givens of England secured her first Ladies European Tour title at the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open, winning at her 210th attempt. In horse racing, Coppull stepped up in distance to win the Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes. Trawlerman, the winner of the Gold Cup at Ascot last year, has been retired after sustaining an injury. The Hundred competition will see the Manchester Super Giants face Trent Rockets in the men's final after the Super Giants defeated Sun Risers Leeds.

Club and Managerial News

Michael Carrick faces increased expectations as he enters his first full season as Manchester United manager. Rangers are dealing with the financial implications of their Europa League exit. Former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli is reportedly the frontrunner for the Scotland men's national team coaching job. Wrexham has set clear aims for the upcoming season, looking to build on their near miss for a Championship play-off spot last term. Celtic's forward is likely to depart, with three clubs reportedly interested.

Player and Kit News

Lionel Messi's need for privacy has been emphasized by Inter Miami CF manager Guillermo Hoyos. Barcelona and Real Madrid have unveiled their new third kits for the 2026-27 season. Manchester United's new third kit for the 2026-27 season draws inspiration from the colors of the famous Salford Lads and Girls Club.