Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 3, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

Transfer Window Buzz and Deals

Arsenal has reportedly had an initial bid for Bruno Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle United. Despite this Guimaraes is en route to Spain to join Newcastle's pre-season training camp. Guimaraes failed to arrive at La Manga as scheduled on Sunday night, missing the planned rendezvous with his teammates. Arsenal manager Arteta has been attempting to persuade Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior to join the club. Arteta, however, remained tight-lipped about the reported pursuit of Vinícius Júnior, stating that he anticipates further transfer activity before the summer concludes. Real Madrid is open to the possibility of Vinícius Júnior departing if a contract agreement cannot be reached, and they do not plan to increase their offer. Tottenham Hotspur expressed interest in acquiring Cody Gakpo from Liverpool this summer. Tottenham has also made an approach for Victor Osimhen, and Liverpool's Cody Gakpo has reportedly had positive discussions with Spurs. Manchester City is rumored to be preparing a surprise move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto. Manchester United is reportedly considering a move for Arsenal's Lewis-Skelly. Manchester United is also rumored to be edging closer to securing the signing of Hall. Bournemouth is finalizing an £11.1m transfer for Sevilla right-back Juanlu. Bournemouth has completed the signing of Portuguese international defender Antonio Silva from Benfica. Brentford has confirmed the signing of Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare from Lens for a club record fee. Celtic is reportedly increasing their offer for a Serie A midfielder, while Rangers are in talks for a winger from a newly promoted Premier League team. Celtic Rangers are both pursuing winger Ghedjemis, with a German midfielder reportedly set on a move to Celtic. Former Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah is reportedly nearing a move to Turkish club Trabzonspor. Mohamed Salah is edging closer to a move to Trabzonspor, while Bayern Munich is interested in Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko, and Man City manager Enzo Maresca wants to work with Chelsea winger Pedro Neto again. Scotland international Bowie has completed a loan move from Hellas Verona to Serie A side Sassuolo. Premier League clubs have already spent over £1bn in the transfer window and are expected to be very active. Chelsea signed Italy attacking midfielder Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona on a four-year contract. Chelsea has also signed Argentina international Valentín Barco from Strasbourg. Xabi Alonso the new Chelsea manager, stated that the "scar" from his brief spell at Real Madrid has healed, allowing him to focus on the upcoming Premier League season. United manager Marc Skinner has stepped down from his position ahead of the Women's Super League season. Marc Skinner also departed his role as Manchester United Women head coach after five years.

Club and Managerial Movements

Newcastle United has secured the signing of goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga for £25.7m. New manager Maresca's first match in charge of Manchester City resulted in a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan, followed by a 3-1 penalty shootout loss. Josko Gvardiol believes new manager Enzo Maresca is the "perfect one" for Manchester City. Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden aims to "repay" the club's faith in him for a fresh start under Enzo Maresca. Bryan Mbeumo scored twice to lead Manchester United to a 2-1 friendly victory over Atlético Madrid in Stockholm. Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Fiorentina in a preseason friendly, marking new coach José Mourinho's first game. Jude Bellingham watched his former club Birmingham City defeat Barcelona 4-2 on penalties in a friendly. Xabi Alonso stated he is "very happy" to have Mykhailo Mudryk back in his Chelsea squad, but it is "too early" to assess his impact. Moyes faces the task of revitalizing Everton after their fall from European contention last season. Hayden Mullins left his role as Fulham Under-21 boss to become the new head coach of League Two side Newport County. Scottish Rugby announced the departure of women's head coach Sione Fukofuka for personal reasons after eight months.

International Football and Governance

The Football Association is reportedly set to withdraw its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino. English Football Association is preparing to inform FIFA president Gianni Infantino of their decision to withdraw support amidst the fallout from his scrapped plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions. Wales has become the first football association to officially withdraw support for Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president. Wales previously withdrew its backing for Gianni Infantino's bid to continue as FIFA president. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has abandoned his controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits to private equity investors following strong opposition from football governing bodies. Real Madrid commended UEFA for its role in protecting football at a critical juncture after FIFA abandoned its plans to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors. FIFA has initiated a consultation process regarding the expansion of the men's World Cup to 64 teams, with a decision expected by August 14. FIFA's plans for the 2027 Women's World Cup were set to be the first major tournament impacted by controversial proposals, which are considered disrespectful to the women's game. Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive goal as Nigeria defeated Zambia at Wafcon 2026, reviving their hopes of reaching the 2027 Women's World Cup. James McClean stated that Derry City's European performance does not stem from a lack of effort but indicates an "issue somewhere" within the club.

Domestic Leagues and Cup Action

St Johnstone and Kilmarnock played out a seven-goal thriller in the Scottish Premiership, with St Johnstone twice relinquishing a lead before securing a comeback victory. St Johnstone and Motherwell both secured victories in their opening matches of the new season. Phillips scored in both halves to give St Mirren a 2-0 away win at Falkirk in their Scottish Premiership opener. Aberdeen defeated Hearts 2-1 in their Scottish Premiership opener at Pittodrie, conceding two late goals. Rangers began the Derek McInnes era with a stuttering start, drawing at Dundee United after coming from behind in their opening Scottish Premiership game. promoted St Johnstone celebrated their return to the top flight with a goal-filled victory over Kilmarnock on the opening weekend of the Premiership season. Motherwell started their Scottish Premiership season with a victory over Hibernian, thanks to a late winner from Ibrahim Said. Wrexham concluded their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Sunderland in Philadelphia. Super League leaders Leeds secured a dominant 46-0 victory over Toulouse, while Wigan Warriors remain second after beating Leigh Leopards 20-8. Wolves moved to fourth in the Betfred Super League table with a 48-18 win over Castleford Tigers.

Other Sports and Events

USA cricketer Bodugum Akhilesh Reddy has received an eight-year ban from all cricket by the ICC after being found guilty of three breaches of anti-corruption rules. Shiho Kuwaki secured a dramatic play-off victory over Esther Henseleit at the AIG Women’s Open after an extraordinary finish, while Charley Hull and Lottie Woad fell short on the final day. Charley Hull and Lottie Woad will regret a "missed opportunity" for their first major win at the AIG Women's Open, according to Dame Laura Davies. Yealimi Noh took the lead at the AIG Women’s Open after Haeran Ryu faltered, with Lottie Woad and Charley Hull remaining in contention. Jessica Pegula holds a one-set advantage over Alexandra Eala in the rain-suspended DC Open final, with play set to resume on Monday. Jack Draper has requested patience from his supporters regarding his return, following his withdrawal from the DC Open due to an arm injury. Cameron Norrie