Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 27, 2026, 3:03 PM ET

Transfer Market Frenzy

The transfer window is closing Sept. 1 and the biggest story is Liverpool's pursuit of Bradley Barcola. Liverpool have an agreement in principle with Paris Saint-Germain for a package worth £120m, with the BBC reporting the deal is close, adding doubt to Cody Gakpo's Anfield future. Sources told ESPN the deal is worth $163M, while Thursday's newspaper reports indicate Liverpool and PSG are in fresh discussions. Meanwhile, the Julián Álvarez saga continues, and Ipswich Town are closing in on World Cup winner Exequiel Palacios. Manchester City are reportedly confident they will sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, as Barcelona and Man United prepare to hold talks over their targets.

Nottingham Forest have signed striker Liam Delap from Chelsea in a club-record £50m deal, with the BBC examining what went wrong for him at Chelsea. West Ham have accepted a £40m Brentford bid for El Hadji Malick Diouf, who is cleared for a medical. Newcastle have signed Nico González from Man City for £50m, and the midfielder's rapturous welcome preceded their Carabao Cup win against West Brom. Rangers have agreed a fee for Venezuela striker Kelsy and could face Celtic competition for Torino midfielder Gineitis. Chelsea are in talks to sign Honest Ahanor from Atalanta for £34.3m. Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage expects Ismaila Sarr to stay despite Liverpool interest. Al-Hilal are closing in on a £50m Watkins deal, per Thursday's gossip.

Carabao Cup and Domestic Action

Savio is already winning over Tottenham fans after a dream debut with a goal and assist in a 5-1 win over Charlton, with Jamie Redknapp saying the new boy lit up the place. Manager Roberto De Zerbi celebrated the perfect day but has set a 10-12 goal target for Sávio this season. The striker's performance was also highlighted by Redknapp, who hailed his dazzling debut. Thierno Barry scored a hat trick and an assist as Everton demolished Preston 4-0 at Deepdale. Harvey Barnes scored twice for Newcastle in a 3-2 comeback win over West Brom, while Bradford secured a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over Burnley at Valley Parade.

European Qualifiers

Hearts' goalkeeper Beau Reus made two penalty saves — including one after Tomas Magnusson's red card — as Hearts beat Rapid Vienna in a shoot-out to reach the Conference League, having drawn 4-4 on aggregate. The manager is "proud," per the BBC report on the penalty shoot-out victory. Sky Sports details how the 10-man heroes pulled off the shoot-out victory. Ander Herrera is now playing for free in Spain's third tier, and he explains why in an emotional return to Zaragoza.

Draws & Behind the Scenes

The Champions League seeding pots for Thursday's draw are now set. Our guide to the draw lists the date and format. Friday brings the league phase draws for the Europa League pots and the Conference League. UEFA is set to end its FIFA boycott but will still push to remove Gianni Infantino, according to BBC's follow-up. Adidas has unveiled its match balls and the iconic star ball might not last much longer.

Premier League & WSL Storylines

All 20 Premier League teams have played their first game, with ESPN writers overreacting to the results. Crunch time looms for Manchester United pressure if they lose against a promotion side again. Bukayo Saka has struggled for consistency recently, but might be back to top form. Cole Palmer said he's feeling "in ages" this season with the freedom Xabi Alonso's Chelsea offering under open perspective. Russell Martin's reputation is on the line as he attempts to stop the slide. Full focus is on Arsenal's WSL title push, where they want to right the wrongs of past campaigns. Chelsea have beaten Real Sociedad in the Women’s Champions Beat and the new signings proved they are still a UWCL threat. Lauren James's nowhes explain the passion that her body language masks.

International, US Open

The US Open mixed doubles champion title went to Czech duo Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik — they beat Bencic and Cobolli 6-3, 1-6, 1-6 10-8 for the $1m. In the men's singles, the field is wide open after Sinner's injury, with Alcaraz and the potential winners. Kylian Mbappé got the last laugh with a hat trick in Real Madrid's 4-1 victory, silencing the Real Sociedad. Cape keeper Vozinha made his debut for Chile's Colo-Colo. New Spata striker Breel Embolo admitted he is excited about the new start even though people in Europe are "shocked" at the MLS move. Barcelona have scrapped the planned tribute for its Spain stars as fan tension mounts ahead of Thursday's home opener. The decision of Spain forward Esther González to sign for Al Qadsiah has triggered backlash, according to BBC.

More Football

The Jambos' run is profiled with the line "Glory for Boys from Gorgie", as they look ahead to Rangers, Motherwell, or Hibs qualifying for the Conference League. The Bundesliga has a match against Augsburg is leading overachievers. There’s also in-depth profile of Allan Elias “Mini” who joined Manchester City. At the 2nd Test at Lord’s, England vs Pakistan has been rain-affected, as live coverage reports. The scorecard is on Sky Sports. Racing goes ahead on Thursday with action from Ffos Las and Lingfield, including the return of a familiar name, Enoch at Lingfield Park. Ebbsfleet United say they settled their tax debt but the National League suspension is extended. Mercedes development concerns front-loaded development could hurt their title hopes.