Last updated: August 7, 2026, 1:24 PM ET
Transfer Window: Rodri Saga Dominates the Headlines
Manchester City have rejected Barcelona's $57.79M opening offer for midfield maestro Rodri, with sources confirming talks will continue between the clubs. The £38m bid from Barcelona was knocked back as City deemed it far too low for the Spain captain. Barcelona are set to formally approach City and remain hopeful of beating Real Madrid to the signing. Rodri has given Barcelona the green light to negotiate with Manchester City as they try to beat their LaLiga rivals. The midfielder faces a huge decision this summer on whether to join Real Madrid or Barcelona should he leave the Etihad. Meanwhile, City are targeting Chelsea's Enzo Fernández as a primary replacement candidate for the outgoing midfielder. Barcelona have also reportedly been linked with a move for Rodri ahead of Real Madrid in the ongoing transfer saga.
Vinicius Jr Commits Future to Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior has signed a new six-year contract with Real Madrid, ending weeks of speculation about a blockbuster move to Arsenal. The Brazilian's new deal officially ends Arsenal's pursuit of the 26-year-old forward. Real Madrid had been set for crunch talks with the player's representatives this week before finalizing the extension. The contract renewal puts an end to Arsenal's hopes of landing the winger this summer. Arsenal now face a difficult search for alternatives after missing out on both Vinicius and Morgan Rogers. Real Madrid have also added World Cup star Yan Diomande to a forward line already featuring Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
FIFA Leadership Crisis Deepens
Gianni Infantino faces mounting pressure from across football as he prepares to meet senior FIFA executives following his failed World Cup investment plan. The Norwegian Football Federation has called for Infantino to resign after the botched attempt to sell off World Cup stakes. Portugal great Luís Figo has joined the resignation calls over the failed private investment scheme. FIFA has been accused of blackmailing Jordan over World Cup money in exchange for support for Infantino's presidency. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has lost confidence in Infantino following the abandoned stake sale plan. Two senior FIFA executives, including Arsène Wenger and Mattias Grafström, have distanced themselves from their boss's failed plan. The association of European soccer leagues has called for governance reform of FIFA, adding to the mounting pressure on the president.
FIFA has apologized for errors made over the failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, with senior staff reaffirming their support. Argentina's Football Association has thrown its full support behind Infantino while praising FIFA for owning up to mistakes in the Forward Enterprise case. Mexico and Argentina are the latest federations to back Infantino despite the botched World Cup stake sale. UEFA's boycott of FIFA tournaments still stands, with the FA now joining the opposition to his re-election. The players union FIFPRO has slammed FIFA's abuse of power in the wake of the scandal. Infantino will hold a crisis meeting with senior staff in Morocco this week to address the fallout. Rivals are reportedly circling to unseat Infantino following his disastrous plan to bring private equity into the World Cup. FIFA has scrapped its private investment plan after facing fierce criticism from across the football world.
USMNT & Pochettino's New Deal
The USMNT hasn't meaningfully improved under Pochettino since he was first hired as coach, yet he just received a contract extension. Mauricio Pochettino will remain USMNT coach through 2030 after signing a new deal ahead of the World Cup on home soil. The United States men's national team returns to action in September hosting Peru, Chile, Canada and Mexico in friendly fixtures. Emma Hayes has urged US Soccer to prioritize the U.S. Under-20 Women's national team at this year's World Cup. The 2026 summer transfer window has seen several U.S. players find new homes, with ESPN grading the biggest deals. Gio Reyna has completed a move to Strasbourg from Borussia Mönchengladbach in a significant transfer. Manchester United are reportedly exploring a move for USMNT left-back Antonee Robinson this summer.
Premier League Transfers & News
Arsenal have agreed a £75m fee with Newcastle for captain Bruno Guimaraes in a blockbuster deal. Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson says the club did not plan to sell Guimaraes but the "very emotional" captain wanted to join Arsenal. Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle says a decision about Guimaraes' future was already made before he first met the departing captain. Newcastle have appointed Matthias Jaissle as head coach to succeed Eddie Howe, with the German bringing a new approach. Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson has called Jaissle a "rock star" with "no ceiling on where his career could go." Newcastle have told Manchester United that Lewis Hall is not for sale this summer after an initial enquiry was rejected. Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United is at a crossroads with Barcelona declining to execute a permanent transfer. Rashford is expected to return to training in the coming days as debate continues over his role under Michael Carrick. Fenerbahce are reportedly eyeing a move for Rashford as the Turkish club monitor his situation at Old Trafford.
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu following a successful pre-season trial with the club. Palace are also considering a move for Solly March as they look to strengthen their squad further. The Eagles are in advanced talks to sign Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake for the 19-year-old wing-back. Leeds United have signed James Trafford from Manchester City in a club-record deal for the England goalkeeper. Leeds have drawn up a shortlist of candidates to serve as Trafford's understudy at Elland Road. Chelsea are set to sign Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano for around £16.3m plus add-ons. The Blues are also eyeing a move for Porto goalkeeper Costa as they look to strengthen between the posts. Chelsea are working to cut their 41-man senior squad with 25 days remaining until the transfer window closes.
Liverpool have explored the conditions of a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. The Reds are prepared to make Bradley Barcola their third £100m signing this summer from PSG. Liverpool have big hopes for Jeremy Jacquet having invested £60m to bring the young French defender to Anfield. Liverpool legend Ian Rush has urged patience for Andoni Iraola at Anfield but says the new boss should target silverware in his debut campaign. Liverpool's time in the U.S. has shown Iraola still has work to do ahead of the 2026-27 campaign with injuries and squad depth concerns. The Reds have no intention of pursuing Djed Spence this summer, according to Friday's transfer gossip. Liverpool could rival Arsenal in the chase for Ezri Konsa according to Friday's newspaper reports.
Salah Departs for Trabzonspor
Mohamed Salah has joined Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor on a free transfer in a stunning move. The Egyptian decided to trade the Premier League for Türkiye with time running out in the transfer window, leaving Liverpool to adjust. Salah's departure marks the end of an era at Anfield as one of Africa's most storied players moves to a new challenge.
Atletico Madrid Target Tottenham Captain
Atletico Madrid have held talks over a move for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, who is expected to leave this summer. The Spanish club is in talks with Spurs over signing the Argentina international defender. Micky van de Ven is close to agreeing a new five-year contract with Tottenham as they look to secure key players. Conor Gallagher is ready to show what he can do under Roberto de Zerbi at Spurs after a difficult timing situation. Tottenham are interested in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo and the data behind how he could fit into De Zerbi's side. De Zerbi hopes to guide Spurs back up the table through his love of the transfer window. Tottenham are also eyeing USMNT star Folarin Balogun alongside Nicolas Jackson and Victor Osimhen as transfer targets.
More Premier League Moves
Wrexham have signed midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Bournemouth have announced the signing of Juanlu Sanchez from Sevilla in a deal worth up to £11.1m. Everton have completed the signing of Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal for the Denmark international midfielder. Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Florentino Luis from Burnley for an undisclosed fee. Millwall have signed Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes on a one-year deal following his departure from Charlton. Swansea City have signed free agent Ross Stewart on a three-year deal after his Southampton exit. Cardiff City have signed Jack Moylan from Lincoln City for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal. Birmingham City have signed France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre for £100K. Hull City have signed goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos for a club-record fee. Hull have also signed Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl on a five-year contract from Tromso. Raul Jimenez has returned to Wolves at 35 in what fans consider the most romantic signing of the summer. The most recent transfer moves are all captured in the August 2026 done deals list across the Premier League, EFL and WSL. Hirving "Chucky" Lozano is finalizing a deal to join the LA Galaxy on loan from San Diego FC, sources told ESPN. Franco Mastantuono has joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, with the clubs confirming the move on Friday. The deal was confirmed by both clubs on Friday as the Argentine midfielder heads to Serie A.
Pre-Season Friendlies & Club News
Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal players were "fuming" after a 3-1 preseason loss to Real Betis in Dublin on Wednesday. The Gunners produced a sloppy performance in Dublin with defensive errors proving costly against the LaLiga side. Arsenal showed they may need Bruno Guimaraes judging by what we learned from their loss to Real Betis. Bayern Munich held off a late fightback from Aston Villa to secure a 2-1 victory in Hong Kong. Aston Villa faced Bayern Munich in a pre-season friendly live in Hong Kong to close their Asian tours. Chelsea failed to ramp up their pre-season preparations as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong. Enzo Maresca won his first game in charge of Manchester City with a 3-1 win over the K-League All Stars in Seoul. Jeremy Monga made his debut in the Manchester City win having rejected Arsenal to emulate Eden Hazard. The K-League All Stars faced Manchester City in a pre-season friendly in Seoul with Maresca's side coming out on top.
Barcelona have cancelled their pre-season friendly in Morocco because of the ongoing border crisis in Ceuta. Ferran Torres has come under fire from Barcelona supporters after leaving the door open to a potential move away. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is impressed with Ceadach O'Neill's maturity and focus shown by the Northern Ireland international. Myles Lewis-Skelly broke into the Arsenal first team at left-back but the teenager's preference has always been to play in midfield. David Sullivan is expected to attend Saturday's EFL Cup tie against Portsmouth despite being advised to stay away from home matches. Nuno has been quizzed on West Ham's transfer business as the Hammers prepare for the new season. Jeremy Doku is the latest Manchester City player to commit his future to the club after signing a new contract until 2031. The World Cup was a great spectacle but also hard work for players returning to clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Scottish Football Roundup
Hearts endured a predictably bruising evening in Lisbon as their Europa League hopes were all but ended by a 6-1 thrashing at Benfica. Rangers fell to a 2-1 defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europa League qualifying with Derek McInnes still seeking his first win. McInnes said Rangers were "guilty of beating ourselves" as his side conceded cheap goals in the first-leg defeat. Daisuke Yokota was handed his Rangers debut against Jagiellonia after completing his move from Hannover. Rangers have completed the signing of winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover 96 as the Japanese star targets special memories. Hibs secured a vital win while Motherwell were held in Helsinki in a mixed night for Scottish clubs. A night of European action saw Rangers and Hearts lose, Motherwell draw and Hibernian win across the continent. Hearts and Rangers face a tough Champions League qualifying challenge as they start their new season in the group stage. Supporters and former Hibs player Scott Allan have reacted to a mixed night for Scottish clubs in Europe this week. The Scottish Premiership returned with a bang and goals in every match with more excitement to look forward to this weekend. The Scottish football podcast has European reaction and big predictions ahead of a massive weekend of fixtures. Rangers need a result and Hearts need a miracle in Europe according to the latest Scottish football podcast. Motherwell and Hibs can take another step towards the Conference League in their upcoming European matches. Celtic and Rangers have submitted offers for wingers as Anderlecht hold advanced talks with Dundee United over Will Ferry. Rangers have been linked with PSV winger Driouech in the latest transfer gossip. Celtic are pushing for a Ghedjemis deal as the Scottish champions' former left-back moves to Houston Dynamo. The Scottish FA has scrapped its key match incident review panel, ending the use of the review system.
Celtic & Martin O'Neill Update
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill remains in hospital after a "small procedure" with the club announcing his condition. Shaun Maloney says there is no timeline for O'Neill's return from hospital and the 74-year-old will make the call about his recovery. Maloney revealed that O'Neill is out of hospital and in "good form" after being released following the procedure.
Women's Football
Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey has explained why the club is talking up their chances of winning the Treble this season with seven new players. Manchester United have appointed Eva Olid as their new women's manager on a two-year deal with an option for a further 12 months. The club made the strategic shift from Marc Skinner to Olid less than a month out from the WSL season. Defender Gabby George has completed a move to Brighton from Manchester United before the WSL season starts. Liverpool have signed Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos from CD Tenerife Femenino subject to visa approval. France say they are still planning to compete in the U20 Women's World Cup next month despite a threat from Uefa to boycott Fifa competitions. Midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson has been named in England's preparation squad for the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland. Mark Wilson believes the aim of returning Partick Thistle to the Scottish Premiership was a factor in Ben Stanway signing a new contract. Our writers have looked at each WSL team's transfer business and proposed a big question they should ask themselves. The NWSL plans to begin its 2027 season on Feb. 11 in Los Angeles to coincide with the Super Bowl across town. Washington's loss to San Diego saw the Spirit surrender the No. 1 spot on ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings with Utah taking top spot. The new season of "Ted Lasso" was filmed at a real NWSL club for a cameo that serves as a key plot point. BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team has detailed the key dates for the 2026-27 women's football season. Sian Massey-Ellis has announced her retirement from officiating to take up a position with the Football Association. The assistant referee has retired to lead FA women referees in her new role with the governing body. Women in the Afghan football team, recognised by Fifa, say football has given them freedom and independence after reuniting in Auckland.
MLS & International Football
Lionel Messi scored a stellar pair of goals to guide Inter Miami to a come-from-behind 4-2 rout of Atlético de San Luis in the Leagues Cup. Argentina will not put pressure on Lionel Messi to play at the 2028 Copa América and will let their superstar decide. Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos said Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team navigates the Leagues Cup without the suspended forward. Larry Berg will succeed Don Garber as new MLS commissioner beginning next year, with the LAFC co-owner taking over the league. Spain "deserves" to host the 2030 World Cup final according to the country's sports minister Milagros Tolón. The Argentine Football Association has announced 15 July as National Football Teams Day to mark their 2026 World Cup semi-final victory over England. Cape Verde coach Bubista, who led the World Cup debutants to a stellar tournament, has joined Moroccan club RS Berkane. Although he spent most of his career with smaller clubs in lower divisions, Vozinha always believed he belonged on a bigger stage. The World Cup may be over, but that hasn't quelled the stardom of Vozinha or Mohamed Salah in the transfer market. The president of Brazilian club Remo has accused Santos star Neymar of provocation after Tuesday's Brazilian Cup game. Players whose standout performances at the World Cup earned a big transfer are highlighted by BBC Sport in a new feature.
Cup Competitions & Other Football News
Walsall stunned Bristol City in the Carabao Cup curtain raiser in the first round of the competition. The Carabao Cup is back for the 2026/27 season with every first-round tie available to watch live on Sky Sports. The second-round draw of the EFL Cup takes place on Monday with 11 Premier League teams entering the competition. The bulk of the EFL Cup's first round fixtures will take place on a weekend despite traditionally being a midweek competition. The Football Association has banned solid perimeter walls around pitches after a safety review following the death of Billy Vigar. Ivan Toney, who was part of England's World Cup squad, has been charged with assault following an incident last December. The England striker has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm following a nightclub incident in December 2025. The National League kicks off on Saturday with a lot to live up to following the most dramatic end to the 2025-26 campaign. Ebbsfleet United's first three National League South games are suspended because of the club's financial problems. Former AC Milan and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato is a member of a consortium set to buy a majority stake in League Two club Northampton Town. Chris Smalling has discussed his friendship with Mourinho and search for a new club in an exclusive interview. Kyle Walker says he is "at ease" with his decision to quit international football and hopes for an extended club career. The 27-year-old Ugandan football captain David Owori was killed by suspected robbers after resisting an attempt to rob him, police say. Alex Hughes, son of Mark Hughes, died of sudden adult death syndrome after being found collapsed at his home in Macclesfield. Bangor striker Ben Arthurs is free to play having completed a three-month ban for an anti-doping violation. Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert says he is "grateful" to owner Dragon Solak for backing him in the wake of the Spygate scandal. Leicester are gearing up for League One but 10 years ago they were defending Premier League champions with dream moments not forgotten. Simon Francis has collected more than 80 Mitre footballs which he displays above his stairs in a unique museum. Zeph Thomas has had an extraordinary career path spanning 39 moves in 18 years as he prepares to manage in the FA Cup for the first time. Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel has been given a trading card made with real gold days after making his unofficial senior debut. Bill Connelly has counted 10 things you need to know before the new European seasons kick off in mid-August. Long before the EAFC video game franchise nestled itself at the epicenter of soccer culture, FIFA International Soccer was an unexpected bestseller. Vinicius Jr chose to stay at Real Madrid, but why does the Premier League rarely attract global superstars at their peak? The top stories and transfer rumours from Friday's newspapers have been compiled for fans to digest. Work out the identity of today's player in as few attempts as possible in the latest BBC Sport quiz. The free transfer show Good Morning Transfers on Sky Sports News keeps fans updated on all the latest moves.