Last updated: August 5, 2026, 5:30 PM ET
European Soccer Transfers and Pre-Season Updates
Arsenal suffered a 3-1 defeat to La Liga side Real Betis in a pre-season friendly held in Dublin, displaying a sloppy performance. Real Madrid reached a £120m agreement for Yan Diomande, while Liverpool is exploring a move for Ibrahim Mbaye and Aston Villa has agreed to sign Matteo Ruggeri. Vinicius Junior expected to remain at Real Madrid following positive contract renewal discussions on Wednesday. Arsenal has also agreed to a £75m fee with Newcastle for their captain Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal has opened direct talks with Newcastle United to sign their captain Bruno Guimaraes. Further reports indicate that Arsenal is in talks to sign Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes. It is easy to understand Arsenal's interest in Bruno Guimaraes. Liverpool reportedly looking to strengthen their attack by signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Liverpool has explored the conditions of a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Chelsea is set to clinch a deal to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria for a fee of around £16.3m (€19m) plus add-ons. Chelsea failed to ramp up their pre-season preparations as Xabi Alonso's side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong, with Edon Zhegrova scoring the decisive goal in the second half. Mykhailo Mudryk return to action following a 20-month layoff on Wednesday after being named in Chelsea's squad to play Juventus in a friendly in Hong Kong. Xabi Alonso stated that the "scar" from his brief tenure at Real Madrid has healed, allowing him to focus entirely on leading Chelsea into the new Premier League season. Chelsea goalkeeper Jorgensen is reportedly set to finalize a season-long loan move to Strasbourg, which is part of the same ownership group as the London club. Como has agreed to a deal worth over £30m to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. Newly promoted Women's Super League club Crystal Palace has signed Tottenham defender Molly Bartrip for an undisclosed fee. Crystal Palace set to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer following a successful trial and is considering a move for winger Solly March. Premier League Crystal Palace is in advanced talks to sign Real Salt Lake's 19-year-old wing-back Zavier Gozo, a source confirmed to ESPN. Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic stated that the club "counts on me" despite the midfielder being linked with a summer departure. Monga's £10m move from Leicester to Manchester City may have gone unnoticed this summer, but the teenager's own career is not anticipated to follow a similar path as he aims to emulate truncated. Enzo Maresca his first win in charge of Manchester City with a 3-1 victory over the K-League All Stars in Seoul. Rangers have completed the signing of winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover. Rangers reportedly to a deal for Hannover winger Daisuke Yokota, while they and Celtic are said to be bidding for Fares Ghedjemis. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill remains in hospital after undergoing a "small procedure," the club announced. Celtic made a winning start to their Scottish Premiership title defence with a 1-0 victory over a resilient Dundee at Celtic Park. Tierney's impact was highlighted in Celtic's win over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership. provides extended highlights of the match between Celtic and Dundee. Kenny Macintyre English, Scott Brown, and Rory Loy reviewed Celtic's 1-0 victory over Dundee. edged past a battling Dundee to secure a winning start. Celtic's title began with a win, with Nygren sparing Hogh's blushes. It remains to be seen what impact Kieran Tierney will have in Celtic's win over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership. signed midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. concluded their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Sunderland in Philadelphia. Lincoln City Jack Moylan has joined Championship rivals Cardiff City following an impressive last season in League One. promoted Ipswich Town has completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis from Burnley for an undisclosed fee. Queens Park has signed Finland midfielder Glen Kamara from Rennes on a season-long loan. Coventry City confirmed the permanent signing of 25-year-old goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton and Hove Albion. Hull City has signed Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos on a five-year deal for a club-record fee. Southampton midfielder Downes stated that he and his teammates have a "chip on their shoulder" that he believes will help them win the Championship. Manchester United defender Gabby George is reportedly close to a move to Brighton before the start of the Women's Super League season. Manchester United admitted to making mistakes in the execution of their ticket touting investigation but maintains that the reasons behind it are valid. Boreham Wood has rejected a £1m bid for one of their forwards, but the identity of the player remains undisclosed. Sacha Lewis of England international Rico, has signed her first professional contract with Women's Super League side Manchester City. West Ham United Fan Advisory Board (FAB) has urged David Sullivan not to attend the club's home matches, citing that his presence could become a "distraction" and a potential security concern. West Ham Daniel Kretinsky is selling a small stake in the club, which could potentially end Amanda Staveley's hopes of investment. The association of European soccer leagues has called for governance reform of FIFA, adding to the mounting pressure on president Gianni Infantino following his failed plan. Portugal great Figo has joined the calls for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down over his failed plan to sell the World Cup to private investors. Two senior FIFA executives, coaching great Arsène Wenger and CEO-like secretary general Mattias Grafström, distanced themselves Tuesday from their boss Gianni Infantino's failed plan to sell a stake. FIFA has been accused of blackmailing Jordan over World Cup money in exchange for their support for Gianni Infantino to remain president. Under-pressure FIFA president Gianni Infantino will hold a crisis meeting with senior staff in Morocco on Wednesday. FIFA president Infantino will face senior leaders of football's world governing body on Wednesday, with expectations for certain outcomes. Gianni Infantino has summoned senior leaders to a meeting on Wednesday, following increased criticism of his scrapped plan to sell off FIFA's commercial and event operations. FIFA president Infantino has previously gambled unsuccessfully on questionable ideas, but his World Cup plans were poorly conceived and delusional from both a business and political standpoint. United States midfielder Gio Reyna has completed a move to Strasbourg from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Bay FC reached an agreement to sign United States winger Jenna Nighswonger from Arsenal for approximately $200,000, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN. Franco Mastantuono reportedly set to join Fiorentina from Real Madrid on a season-long loan, sources have informed ESPN. Bernardo Silva stated he "didn't think twice" about joining Real Madrid after completing his first training session with the club on Monday. Real Madrid set to meet with Vinícius Júnior's representatives this week to resume contract renewal talks, sources have told ESPN. Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United remains uncertain. Fenerbahce is reportedly preparing a significant offer for Marcus Rashford, while RB Leipzig is holding firm with Real Madrid regarding the Yan Diomande deal, and Arsenal has initiated discussions for Bruno Guimaraes. The top stories and transfer rumors from Tuesday's newspapers indicate that Fenerbahce is preparing a massive offer for Marcus Rashford. Marcus Rashford expected to return to Manchester United training in the coming days, amidst ongoing debate about the merits of this development. Inter Miami not expressed interest in signing Kevin De Bruyne, a club source confirmed to ESPN. Inter Miami has not shown interest in signing Colombian national team midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero, according to club sources who spoke with ESPN. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos stated that Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team prepares to navigate the Leagues Cup without the forward due to his lengthy suspension. The NWSL plans to commence its 2027 season on February 11 in Los Angeles, aligning with the Super Bowl scheduled three days later in the same city, ESPN has confirmed. Washington's loss to San Diego resulted in the Spirit relinquishing the No. 1 spot in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, with Utah now claiming the top position in the league. MLS has launched an investigation into "reported antisemitic and discriminatory language" from fans directed at New England Revolution striker Dor Turgeman during their 2-2 draw against CF Montreal on Saturday. Larry Berg succeed Don Garber as the new MLS commissioner starting next year, and questions arise about what specific actions he should take to improve the league. Hansi Flick indicated that Barcelona understands "they have to do something" in the transfer market as they continue their search for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski. new season of "Ted Lasso" was filmed in the U.S. at a real-life NWSL club for a cameo that serves as a key plot point of the show. Cape Verde coach Bubista, who guided the World Cup debutants to a successful tournament, joined Moroccan club RS Berkane on Tuesday. Head coach is departing Cape Verde after reaching the last 32 at the World Cup, while Ivory Coast has reappointed two-time Afcon winner Herve Renard. British boxer Chapman underwent emergency surgery for a bleed on her brain after collapsing during a sparring session in Denmark. Moses Itauma compete for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title when he faces Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29. Joseph Parker has announced that he will resume his boxing career "soon" following confirmation that his suspension has been lifted after a failed drug test last year. Callum Walsh undefeated contender from Ireland, is aiming to break into the highest echelons of the middleweight division and does not shy away from danger. Aaron McKenna and Etinosa Oliha will compete in a middleweight showdown in Dublin on Saturday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Max Verstappen commended the "rock solid" performances that have propelled Kimi Antonelli to the top of Formula 1's Drivers' Championship in the first half of the 2026 season. Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that contingency plans are in place for the 2027 F1 calendar should the conflict in the Middle East persist into next year. British 2 Cameron Norrie secured a comfortable victory at the National Bank Open in Montreal, setting up a third-round match against Alex De Minaur. Jack Draper was visibly upset after losing to Terence Atmane, as the Brit's long-standing arm injury appeared to resurface and hinder him upon his return to action at the Canadian Open. Carlos Alcaraz withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to an ongoing wrist injury, raising concerns about his US Open title defense, which is scheduled to begin on August 30 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Emma Raducanu's stress fracture will prevent her from participating in the US Open. Emma Raducanu benefit from concluding her season early to concentrate on recovery and secure a protected ranking before her return in 2027, according to former British No. 1 Annabel Croft. Serena Venus Williams are scheduled to compete at the Cincinnati Open after being granted a wild card for the women's doubles draw. The qualifying process to make Luke Donald's 2027 European Ryder Cup team will commence at the British Masters later this month. Dame Laura has urged Charley Hull to "step up and lead" Team Europe at the Solheim Cup in September. Charley Hull is encouraged by her performance this season but admitted that injuries have prevented her from playing at her peak. Riders at the Tour de France Femmes will undergo additional clothing checks before Tuesday's stage following claims that some participants might be using extra padding in their bras for aerodynamic advantage. Several athletes "unaccounted for" following the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, according to Police Scotland. Pakistan ended its eight-match away Test losing streak emphatically on Wednesday, securing an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies. Tomas Albornoz received a four-match suspension after being charged with misconduct following Argentina's Nations Championship defeat against England last month. Zealand's tour of South Africa will be broadcast live on Sky Sports as part of a new agreement.
Other Sports News and Notes
Castleford Tigers head coach Ryan Carr will not be present at the Hull KR game due to personal reasons. The bulk of the EFL Cup's first round fixtures will take place on a weekend, deviating from its traditional midweek schedule. The 2026-27 Premier League season has already made history for its managerial changes before kicking off, with a record number of new managers appointed. Our Ask Me Anything Team will explain SCR, PSR, and adjusted revenue in relation to the new financial rules Premier League clubs must adhere to. Retired referee Anthony Taylor has been appointed as the director of elite refereeing for the Turkish Football Federation. Rockets secured the top spot in The Hundred women's standings after achieving their fourth consecutive win against Birmingham Phoenix at Trent Bridge, which virtually guarantees them a place in the tournament's later stages. SunRisers Leeds a record-breaking 241-2, the highest score in the history of The Hundred, before comfortably defeating London Spirit. Sun Risers Leeds maintained their slim hopes of advancing from The Hundred group stage with a hard-fought five-wicket victory over London Spirit at Headingley. A superb unbeaten half-century from Matt Short guided Welsh Fire to a six-wicket victory over Southern Brave, bringing them level on points at the top of The Hundred table. Welsh Fire expectations to defeat The Hundred table-toppers Southern Brave in a thrilling last-ball encounter in Cardiff. The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year contract extension with Bijan Robinson, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. supporters will be permitted to attend their team's fixture against the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League next month, though no away fans will be accommodated.