Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 26, 2026, 2:38 PM ET

Transfer Window: Premier League Clubs Flex Financial Muscle

The final days of the transfer window are delivering a flurry of significant deals across the Premier League. Manchester City have been at the center of the action, completing a record-breaking £86m move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The champions are also set to make an opening offer for priority midfield target Enzo Fernandez, with Chelsea bracing for a bid. Reports suggest City are considering a formal bid for the Chelsea midfielder before the deadline, while the Blues are already scouring for a replacement should he depart. Meanwhile, Newcastle United have agreed a deal worth up to £52m for City midfielder Nico Gonzalez, a transfer confirmed by sources as agreed between the clubs.

Tottenham have been equally active, securing a season-long loan for Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush with an obligation to buy for £60 million ($82m) next year. Sunderland are exploring a potential late deal for City winger Jack Grealish, while Liverpool have made an approach to Crystal Palace over signing winger Ismaila Sarr. Chelsea have also reached a deal to sell Liam Delap to Nottingham Forest for $68M, and are considering a late move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez. Aston Villa are pursuing Jean-Philippe Mateta and Nicolas Jackson, while Crystal Palace have attempted to hijack Villa's move for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.

Champions League Drama: Celtic Collapse, Historic Draws

Celtic suffered a stunning Champions League play-off collapse as LASK overturned a 3-0 first-leg deficit to win 5-4 after extra time, sending the Scottish champions crashing into the Europa League. The 4-0 lead was lost in a stupefying collapse, with captain Callum McGregor eviscerating his own team-mates in the aftermath. The club have now faltered in qualifying on six successive occasions, raising serious questions about their European ambitions. LASK held a moment of silence for a 65-year-old Celtic fan who died during the first leg in Glasgow. The Scottish Football Podcast examined what the humbling means for the game north of the border.

Meanwhile, the Champions League league phase draw is upon us, with questions emerging about why Real Madrid cannot play at Anfield in the league phase. Adidas has unveiled its match balls for the league phases, with questions over whether the iconic 'star ball' design will soon be no more. Bodo/Glimt are back for a second season alongside debutants Sabah of Azerbaijan and LASK Linz.

Major Transfers and Rumors

The Julián Álvarez saga continues to dominate headlines, with the striker wanted by the champions of Spain and England. Barcelona have again restated their desire to sign him, prompting an angry response from Atletico Madrid who insist there is "0% chance" of a deal. The Euro Leagues podcast discussed whether Álvarez could end up at Arsenal, while a transfer window preview highlighted 10 players who could still move before Sept. 1. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has warned Alejandro Balde he must improve to stay at the club, with Manchester United set to open negotiations with Barcelona over the defender.

Rangers are closing in on signing Kim Min-su from Girona, while Nicolas Raskin could be on his way out having not travelled to Jablonec. Wrexham are close to sealing deals for Manchester City's Issa Kabore and left-back Jacques Ekomie from Angers. Coventry City have signed Jamaica centre-back Ethan Pinnock from Brentford for around £6m. Newport County have completed their 11th signing of the summer with Matt Dibley-Dias arriving on loan from Fulham. Christopher Nkunku has returned to RB Leipzig on loan from Milan.

Premier League and Carabao Cup Action

The first week of the Premier League season has prompted overreactions across the board, with Arsenal's title defense looking challenging. Liverpool's midfield fragility was exposed in their draw at Newcastle, with questions over whether they will act in the market. Paul Merson has assessed Aston Villa's dreadful start following their heavy defeat at Brighton, calling any player refusal to play "disgusting." Gab Marcotti's Monday Musings noted Liverpool and Man United still look half-baked.

In the Carabao Cup, Leeds United registered a second win at Nottingham Forest in three days to book their spot in the third round. Callum Wilson scored just six minutes into his full debut as Brentford routed Birmingham 6-1. Teenager Josh Ayala scored twice on his full debut as West Ham came from behind to thrash Southampton 4-1. Hull City knocked Stoke out on penalties after a 1-1 draw, following their 2-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday. Coventry survived a Plymouth scare before easing through 4-2. Marcelino Nunez scored a sensational goal from the halfway line to help Ipswich beat Leicester 3-1. Cardiff's Noah Anyadike, became the youngest player in EFL Cup history after starting their defeat against Norwich.

European and International Football

Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted at half-time but watched 10-man Al Nassr turn a two-goal deficit into a 4-3 victory. Breel Embolo said people in Europe are "shocked" at his decision to move to MLS with Atlanta United. UEFA is set to formally withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving assurances Gianni Infantino's failed World Cup sell-off plan will not be revived. Xavi Hernandez said he was unfazed at being third choice for the Netherlands job as he was unveiled in his new role. The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations was full of shocks and surprises, seen as a good sign for African women's football.

Women's Football and Other Sports

In the Women's Champions League, Chelsea, PSG and Wolfsburg are one two-legged defeat from being dumped out before it's even begun. Tottenham are planning to break into the WSL's elite clubs after a successful first season under Martin Ho. Joao Pedro took just 31 seconds to score his opening goal, breaking Chelsea's number nine curse in his debut win. Olivia Smith's career has been in the limelight since she was, with her rise to a £1m record documented. In the NWSL, NY Gotham FC had a disappointing 0-0 draw with Angel City but remain top of the Power Rankings. Inter Miami are officially in a slump according to the latest MLS Power Rankings.

Golf, Tennis, and Other Sports News

The PGA Tour has confirmed its 2027 schedule running from January to August with numerous changes. Luke Donald expects "new blood" in Team Europe at Adare Manor next September. Anna Nordqvist has announced her shock retirement from professional golf after this week's FM Championship. Serena and Venus Williams will play together in the 2026 US Open women's doubles after being given a wild card. Roger Federer made a triumphant return to the US Open with a pair of exhibition victories at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Mikaela Mayer says she feels "unbeatable" ahead of her fight against Chantelle Cameron. Toto Wolff says he is "not at all" disappointed by Max Verstappen's new Red Bull deal running until 2030. Jonny Lomax is to retire at the end of the 2026 season, the St Helens legend announced. The All Blacks fought back from an 18-point deficit to beat the Lions 41-35 at Ellis Park.

Other Football News

Ebbsfleet United's suspension from the National League has been extended, putting the club's future in serious doubt. Raheem Sterling will appear in court next month to face charges of dangerous driving after crashing his car into motorway barriers. Forfar Athletic say Adam Livingstone has not suffered any major damage after Tuesday's Challenge Cup match was abandoned due to his neck injury. The 72+ EFL Podcast featured Tranmere boss Darrell Clarke discussing outfield players in goal and Leicester's problems. BBC Sport NI examined the Irish League's relationship with gambling. PAOK have emerged as contenders for a Celtic-linked midfielder, while Falkirk close in on another loan deal. Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the men's PFA Players' Player of the Year for 2025/26, with Bunny Shaw winning the women's award. Premier League clubs are closing in on Monaco's record for transfer income generated in a single window. The Sky Sports Racing team previewed a busy day's flat action from Newbury and Wolverhampton. The More than the Score podcast discussed the WAFCON 2026 tournament. Franco Mastantuono and Estêvão's different paths after moving from South America offer lessons for future stars. Zavier Gozo has already left MLS for the Premier League at age, with other USMNT U21 prospects destined for Europe. Palmeiras' Allan Elias attacks and defends down the flank all game, which made him so attractive to Manchester City. Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi continues to attract interest from several Premier League clubs.