Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 7, 2026, 6:41 PM ET

Transfer Window Buzz

Real Madrid’s decision to sign World Cup star Yan Diomande added another elite forward to a line already featuring Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, while Vinícius himself ended weeks of speculation by signing a new six-year contract that scuppered Arsenal’s pursuit. Arsenal responded by agreeing a £75m fee with Newcastle for Bruno Guimarães, a move that Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson said was driven by the captain’s “very emotional” wish to leave. Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle, described by CEO David Hopkinson as a “rock star,” later confirmed the decision about Guimarães’ future was “already made” before he arrived. Meanwhile, Manchester City are exploring a move for Enzo Fernández as a potential Rodri replacement, while Barcelona and Real Madrid both circle Rodri himself. The Spain captain may face a huge decision on whether to join Barça or Madrid should he leave City.

Liverpool are prepared to make Bradley Barcola their third £100m signing and have also explored a deal for Paris Saint-Germain teenager Ibrahim Mbaye. The Reds have no intention of pursuing Djed Spence but continue to be linked with Ezri Konsa, who could be targeted by both Liverpool and Arsenal. Tottenham, under Roberto de Zerbi’s self-confessed love for the transfer window, are eyeing USMNT star Folarin Balogun alongside Nicolas Jackson, while Atletico Madrid are in talks to sign Spurs captain Cristian Romero. Manchester United continue to explore a move for USMNT left-back Antonee Robinson after having an enquiry for Lewis Hall firmly rejected by Newcastle. Chelsea, set to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria for £16.3m, are working furiously to cut their 41-man senior squad, with 25 days left in the window.

Coventry City completed the club-record signing of Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, while Leeds United smashed their own record by landing England goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. Hull City signed Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis for a club-record fee and also brought in Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl on a five-year deal. Bournemouth announced the capture of Sevilla right-back Juanlu Sanchez for up to £11.1m, and Crystal Palace signed Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu after a pre-season trial. Palace are also in advanced talks to sign Real Salt Lake wing-back Zavier Gozo. Everton completed the signing of Denmark international Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal, while Swansea signed Scotland striker Ross Stewart on a free transfer. Millwall added Scotland’s Lyndon Dykes on a one-year deal, and Notts County signed Northampton midfielder Dean Campbell.

In one of the summer’s most romantic moves, Raúl Jiménez returned to Wolves at 35, while Wrexham signed Preston captain Ben Whiteman on a three-year deal. Birmingham City signed France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre, and Cardiff City added Lincoln midfielder Jack Moylan on a four-year deal. Former Mexico star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano joined the LA Galaxy on an initial loan through 2026 from San Diego FC. Liverpool also strengthened for the women’s side by signing Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos from CD Tenerife, subject to visa approval.

Match Results & Pre-season Action

The Carabao Cup first round kicked off with several notable results. Will Lankshear’s debut strike ensured Middlesbrough made a winning start as they beat Wrexham 1-0 – a result also covered in Sky Sports’ report. Walsall stunned Bristol City in the Carabao Cup curtain raiser, while Wolves progressed past Stevenage. The second-round draw takes place on Monday, with 11 Premier League teams entering. David Sullivan is expected to attend West Ham’s EFL Cup tie against Portsmouth despite being advised to stay away from home matches at the London Stadium.

In pre-season friendlies, Bayern Munich held off a late Aston Villa fightback to win 2-1 in Hong Kong. Arsenal fell 3-1 to Real Betis in Dublin, with Mikel Arteta saying his players were “fuming” after defensive errors – the same match saw Arsenal’s need for a creator highlighted. Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong, while Manchester City beat the K-League All Stars 3-1 in Enzo Maresca’s first win in charge. Barcelona cancelled a pre-season friendly in Morocco because of the ongoing border crisis in Ceuta.

In European qualifiers, Rangers lost 2-1 to Jagiellonia Bialystok in the Europa League, with Derek McInnes still seeking his first win. Hearts were thrashed 6-1 by Benfica, all but ending their Europa League hopes, while Hibernian secured a vital win and Motherwell drew in Helsinki. The Scottish summer malaise continued, but there was some room for optimism.

Managerial & Player News

Newcastle United appointed Matthias Jaissle as head coach to succeed Eddie Howe, with the German bringing a “rock star” reputation. Martin O’Neill was released from hospital and is in “good form” after a procedure. Micky van de Ven is close to agreeing a new five-year contract with Tottenham, and Jeremy Doku has committed to Manchester City until 2031. Conor Gallagher is ready to show what he can do under De Zerbi at Tottenham, while Myles Lewis-Skelly has a chance to threaten Arsenal’s big-name midfielders.

In injury news, England opener Emilio Gay retired hurt with a shoulder injury while batting for Durham. Jack Draper will play the Cincinnati Open despite arm injury fears after being left in tears in Montreal. Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Cincinnati Open due to a wrist injury, casting doubt on his US Open defence.

In other news, England striker Ivan Toney was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm following a nightclub incident. The Football Association has banned solid perimeter walls around pitches after a safety review following the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar. Assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis has retired to take up a new role with the FA.

FIFA Governance & Controversies

FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces mounting pressure after his failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. UEFA confirmed it is aware of an allegation that it paid off an alleged mistress of Infantino. Norway’s soccer federation president called on Infantino to resign, saying there is “no trust” in him, while Mexico and Argentina have expressed support. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said he no longer has confidence in Infantino. Luís Figo joined calls for Infantino to step down, and former FIFA VP has accused Infantino of blackmail. The European Leagues association called for governance reform, and two senior FIFA executives – Arsène Wenger and Mattias Grafström – distanced themselves from the plan. UEFA’s boycott of FIFA tournaments still stands, and the FA has joined them in opposing Infantino’s re-election. Meanwhile, Spain “deserves” to host the 2030 World Cup final, according to sports minister Milagros Tolón.

Women’s Football

Emma Hayes urged US Soccer to prioritize the U.S. Under-20 Women’s national team at this year’s World Cup to help American youth players match European development. France say they are still planning to compete in the U20 Women’s World Cup despite a threat from UEFA to boycott FIFA competitions. England midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson has been named in the preparation squad for the U20 Women’s World Cup. Mariona Caldentey explained why Arsenal, strengthened by seven new players, are talking up their chances of winning the Treble this season. Manchester United appointed Eva Olid as women’s manager on a two-year deal, and defender Gabby George completed a move to Brighton from Manchester United. The key dates for the 2026-27 women’s football season have been detailed. Liverpool signed Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos from CD Tenerife. Birmingham City signed France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa.

Scottish Football

The Scottish FA will hold a “critically important” summit on the future of the game, and has also scrapped its key match incident review panel. Celtic boss Martin O’Neill is out of hospital and in good form. Celtic and Rangers have submitted offers for wingers, and Anderlecht are holding advanced talks with Dundee United over Will Ferry. Rangers completed the signing of winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover, who made his debut against Jagiellonia Bialystok. Rangers’ Europa League hopes were dealt a blow by Jagiellonia, with McInnes saying they were “guilty of beating ourselves.” Hearts were humbled by Benfica, while Hibs secured a vital win and Motherwell were held.

Other Competitions & Odds

In The Hundred, Sun Risers Leeds knocked Birmingham Phoenix out of the men’s competition, while Phoebe Litchfield hit the fastest fifty in the history of the women’s competition to eliminate the Phoenix women. MI London condemned London Spirit to elimination with a Sikandar Raza masterclass, while their women’s team secured a first win of the season thanks to Melie Kerr and Hayley Matthews. Trent Rockets extended their lead at the top of the table.

In boxing, the long-awaited heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will take place “where the money is,” says Dana White, and is expected to be finalised by the end of August. Jake Paul’s rematch with Tommy Fury “makes most sense” as he targets a return. Raymond van Barneveld has been fined and suspended by the Darts Regulation Authority. World darts championship dates have been confirmed for December 11 to January 3.

In the NFL, undrafted rookie Haynes King ran in on the final play to give the Carolina Panthers a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame game. In rugby, New Zealand’s first full-scale tour of South Africa in 30 years began with a 38-21 win over the Stormers. Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors will play the first Super League fixture in Ireland in 2027.

In golf, Charley Hull surged up the leaderboard at the PIF London Championship with a brilliant course-record 62 in the second round.