Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 2, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Football Transfers and Rumors

Arsenal manager Arteta remained tight-lipped regarding speculation linking the club with Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior but indicated that further transfer activity is expected before the summer window closes. Manchester City reportedly pursuing Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with sources indicating the club will proceed with a deal regardless of Rodri's future. Real Madrid open to allowing Vinícius Júnior to depart if a new contract agreement cannot be reached, though they do not plan to increase their offer. Former Liverpool Mohamed Salah is nearing a move to Turkish club Trabzonspor. Newcastle United reportedly interested in signing USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams from Bournemouth. Celtic is reportedly increasing their offer for Serie A midfielder Fabricio Gineitis, while rivals Rangers are in talks for a winger from a newly promoted Premier League team. Manchester City Enzo Maresca is keen to reunite with Chelsea winger Pedro Neto. Arsenal is increasingly confident in securing a deal for Newcastle United's Bruno Guimarães following Eddie Howe's departure. Bournemouth has completed the signing of Portuguese international defender Antonio Silva from Benfica for an undisclosed fee. Brentford has signed Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare from Lens for a club-record fee.

Pre-Season Friendlies and Club News

Robert Lewandowski two goals, including the game-winner, in his home debut for the Chicago Fire, securing a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC on Saturday. Bryan Mbeumo twice to lead Manchester United to a 2-1 comeback friendly win against Atlético Madrid in Stockholm. Real Madrid 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly, marking new coach José Mourinho's first match in charge. Manchester City 1-1 with Inter Milan in Hong Kong before losing 3-1 on penalties in Enzo Maresca's first game as manager. Arsenal secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Girona in a pre-season friendly at Montilivi, with Max Dowman contributing a goal and an assist. Jude Bellingham in attendance to watch his former club Birmingham City defeat Barcelona 2-2 on penalties. Marcus Rashford returned to Manchester United after his loan spell at Barcelona concluded ahead of the new Premier League season. Senne Lammens returned to Manchester United training early from his holiday. Joe Gomez expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign due to injury, though this is not anticipated to impact the club's transfer plans. Harvey Elliott uncertain about his long-term future at Liverpool following a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa. Chelsea winger Mudryk has been cleared to play after his doping ban was resolved. Chelsea has been fined £10 million and handed a suspended two-window transfer ban by an independent appeal board for admitting breaches of FA agent rules.

Scottish Football Update

Hearts' difficult continued with a 2-1 loss to Aberdeen in their Scottish Premiership opener at Pittodrie, conceding two late goals. Aberdeen secured a victory over Hearts, with NIsbet leading the charge. St Mirren their season with a 2-0 away win at Falkirk, thanks to a brace from Killian Phillips. Rangers experienced an underwhelming start to the Derek McInnes era, drawing 1-1 at Dundee United after coming from behind. Hibernian Motherwell both progressed in their European qualifiers. Hibernian manager Gray saw his team overcome jeers to secure a crucial second-leg performance. Chris Cadden moved from Hibernian to Scottish Premiership rivals Aberdeen, seeking more game time. Celtic manager O'Neill is determined to keep hold of key players like Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston amidst transfer interest. West Ham reportedly in talks with Celtic for midfielder Arne Engels, with Celtic holding out for approximately £25 million.

FIFA and World Cup Controversies

FIFA president Infantino has abandoned his controversial plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private equity investors following strong opposition from governing bodies. Infantino's plans the 2027 Women's World Cup were criticized for not considering the impact on the women's game. FIFA has initiated a consultation process for an expansion of the men's World Cup to 64 teams, with a decision targeted for August 14. The presentation of FIFA's plan to partially privatize the World Cup has raised numerous questions. UEFA has declared a vote of no confidence in Gianni Infantino. African football governing body has yet to take a definitive stance on FIFA's controversial plan to sell stakes in its competitions.

Other Football News

Former AC and Italy defender Franco Baresi has passed away at the age of. England defender Stones has joined Italian Serie A champions Inter Milan on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract. Kieron Bowie completed a loan move from Hellas Verona to Serie A side Sassuolo. Bournemouth has signed defender Antonio Silva from Benfica. Swansea City coach Vitor Matos has agreed to a new contract extending his stay until 2030. Hayden Mullins left his role as Fulham Under-21 boss to become the new head coach of League Two side Newport County. James McClean there is an underlying issue at Derry City impacting their European form, despite no lack of effort. leaders Leeds secured a dominant 46-0 victory over Toulouse in Super League, while Wigan Warriors defeated Leigh Leopards 20-8. Huddersfield produced a second-half comeback to beat Hull FC 22-16 in a bottom-of-the-table Super League clash.

Netball and Other Sports

England's netball will not medal at the Commonwealth Games after a 68-50 defeat to Australia in the bronze-medal match. England had previously fallen to New Zealand 61-54 in the semi-finals. Boxer Tarona secured Tuvalu's first Commonwealth Games medal, a bronze in the women's 75kg division, without winning a fight. golf, Davis Riley holds a one-shot lead at the Rocket Classic after shooting a 63, while Cameron Young is tied for the lead after a 61. cricket, Southern Brave men's team secured a win against Birmingham Phoenix, with Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, and Adil Rashid inspiring the victory. Southern Brave their unbeaten record in The Hundred with a 24-run win over Birmingham Phoenix. Birmingham Phoenix team secured their first win in The Hundred, defeating Welsh Fire with one ball remaining, with investor Jude Bellingham in attendance. In horse racing Evening Saigon won the Coral Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood. American Affair the King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood. Diamond Necklace her unbeaten record with a dominant win in the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood. Jockey Jim has retired from riding after failing to recover sufficiently from a serious injury. boxing, Chris Eubank Jr.'s negotiations for a return to the ring in Nigeria are progressing. A rematch between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois is facing controversy. Pierce O'Leary his first professional defeat, being stopped by Mark Chamberlain in Dublin.