Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 8, 2026, 3:05 PM ET

Transfer Market Roundup

The summer window remains frenetic as Bruno Guimaraes completed a £75m move from Newcastle to Arsenal, with the emotional captain telling the club he wanted the transfer. Arsenal also have big hopes for Ceadach O'Neill, according to Mikel Arteta. Both Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in Inter striker Pio Esposito, while the two clubs are also reportedly looking at Shakhtar’s Kauã Elias. Manchester United continue to explore a move for USMNT’s Antonee Robinson and have been told Newcastle’s Lewis Hall is not for sale. Liverpool have agreed a surprise loan for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo and are ready to put their faith in £60m signing Jeremy Jacquet. The Reds are also reportedly eyeing Bradley Barcola, though a fee has not been agreed, and could rival Arsenal for Ezri Konsa. Liverpool legend Ian Rush urged patience for new boss Andoni Iraola. In other moves, Sasa Lukic joined Ipswich, Middlesbrough signed Radek Vitek from Manchester United, and Leeds signed James Trafford for a club-record fee. Coventry broke their record to sign Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, while Swansea added Ross Stewart on a free. Crystal Palace signed Takehiro Tomiyasu after a trial, Hull City signed Jens Hjerto-Dahl, and Notts County added Dean Campbell. Bournemouth signed Juanlu Sanchez for up to £11.1m, Millwall picked up Lyndon Dykes, and Wrexham signed Ben Whiteman. LA Galaxy confirmed Sergi Roberto and also added Hirving Lozano on loan. Everton signed Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal, and Birmingham City paid £100,000 for Chancelle Effa Effa.

Pre-Season Friendlies & Tournaments

Manchester United drew 1-1 with PSG in Gothenburg, with Bryan Mbeumo equalising but Mason Mount suffering an injury. Chelsea thrashed AC Milan 3-0 in Jakarta as Joao Pedro scored twice, while Xabi Alonso’s side bounced back from previous defeats. Bayern Munich held off Aston Villa 2-1 in Hong Kong. Luis Garcia joked he hopes Xabi Alonso's Chelsea finish second to Liverpool. Arsenal players were “fuming” after a 3-1 loss to Real Betis in Dublin. Barcelona cancelled a friendly in Morocco due to the Ceuta border crisis, and instead played a triangular match against Nottingham Forest and Udinese. Lionel Messi scored a brace to lead Inter Miami to a 4-2 Leagues Cup win over Atlético de San Luis.

Carabao Cup First Round

The Carabao Cup returned with every first-round tie live on Sky Sports. Middlesbrough beat Wrexham 1-0 thanks to a debut goal from Will Lankshear, while Wolves and Stevenage also progressed. Burnley edged Notts County on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Walsall stunned Bristol City in the curtain raiser. The second-round draw takes place Monday with 11 Premier League teams entering. BBC Sport looked at wildest EFL Cup scores in history, and explained why the competition started on a weekend this year.

Scottish Football Scene

St Mirren went top of the Premiership after Killian Phillips scored again to beat St Johnstone. Dundee beat Aberdeen 2-0 for their first points, while Hearts were humbled 6-1 by Benfica in the Europa League. Rangers lost 2-1 to Jagiellonia in qualifying, with old habits haunting them under Derek McInnes. Celtic boss Martin O’Neill is out of hospital and in “good form.” The Scottish FA has called a “critically important” summit on the future of the game, is closing in on a new head coach to replace Steve Clarke, and scrapped its key match incident panel. PSV rejected an improved Rangers offer for Couhaib Driouech. Aberdeen bought Belgian forward Mitchy Ntelo. A mixed night for Scottish clubs in Europe drew reaction, and the Premiership preview looks at early troubles for title hopefuls. BBC Sport’s podcast also previewed a massive weekend.

Women’s Football

Emma Hayes said she is “delighted” that Mauricio Pochettino signed a new USMNT deal, but worried about USWNT youth development and urged focus on the U-20 World Cup. France plan to take part in the U-20 Women’s World Cup despite a UEFA boycott threat. Manchester United appointed Eva Olid as manager, while Gabby George joined Brighton from United. Liverpool signed Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos. Mariona Caldentey says Arsenal are targeting the Treble this season. Ben Stanway’s contract extension boosted Partick Thistle’s promotion push. Key dates for the 2026-27 women’s season have been announced.

FIFA and Governance

Gianni Infantino denied that UEFA paid off his alleged lover, while Norway’s federation called for him to resign after his World Cup stake sale plan. Mexico and Argentina expressed support for Infantino, but Canada’s PM said he lost confidence in him. Infantino apologised for “errors” and received FIFA backing, yet UEFA’s boycott of FIFA tournaments stands and the FA has withdrawn support. Player union FIFPRO slammed FIFA’s “abuse of power”. Potential challengers to Infantino for the FIFA presidency are being discussed. Spain’s sports minister insisted Spain “deserves” to host the 2030 World Cup final.

Other News

Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father, died at 68. Phil Parkes, Wolves legend, died at 79. Former England defender Kyle Walker retired from international football, saying he is “at ease.” Ivan Toney was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm. Mark Hughes’ son Alex died of sudden adult death syndrome. Uganda captain David Owori was murdered. The FA banned solid perimeter walls after Billy Vigar’s death. Neymar was accused of provocation in a Brazilian Cup game. Manchester United teen JJ Gabriel received a 24-carat gold trading card. Alexandre Pato’s consortium is set to buy Northampton Town. Raúl Jiménez returned to Wolves, and Chris Smalling is searching for a new club. Assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis retired to lead FA women’s referees. Mohamed Salah joined Trabzonspor on a free transfer, with analysis on why he left Liverpool and the Vozinha transfer unveiling. Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly pushes to start in midfield, while Conor Gallagher is ready to shine under De Zerbi at Spurs. Micky van de Ven is close to a new Spurs contract. Jeremy Doku signed a new deal at Man City until 2031. Ferran Torres told Barça he wants to join PSG, while Atlético remain firm on Julián Álvarez despite Barcelona interest. Real Madrid spent big on Yan Diomande and Vinícius Júnior signed a new contract. Atletico are in talks for Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, and Barcelona joined the race for Rodri. Man City won’t sell Rodri on the cheap and are exploring a move for Enzo Fernandez. Argentina will not pressure Messi over the 2028 Copa América and marked their World Cup win over England with National Football Teams Day. Newcastle CEO called Matthias Jaissle a “rock star”. San Jose hired Gavin Wilkinson as consultant. The National League returned but Ebbsfleet were suspended over unpaid debts. Bangor striker Ben Arthurs served a cocaine ban. Zeph Thomas’s incredible journey of 39 moves in 18 years leads to an FA Cup debut. Leicester’s 2016 title secrets were revisited. The Spygate image is “far from the truth,” says Southampton’s coach. Life as a Wag in the transfer window is explored. Why the Premier League struggles to attract top players and World Cup burnout affecting elite clubs are analysed. Football AI-proof? Tech investors wanted a slice of the World Cup. A museum of footballs is on display in Devon. The Afghan women’s team reunited 8,000 miles away. USMNT transfer grades for the summer window are out. Franco Mastantuono joined Fiorentina on loan from Real Madrid. Man City agreed a deal for Geronimo Rulli. Liverpool are not pursuing Djed Spence. Spurs are eyeing Balogun alongside Osimhen and Jackson. Cody Gakpo’s fit at Spurs is analysed. The Bruno Guimaraes transfer story and where he fits at Arsenal is covered in depth. Middlesbrough’s win over Wrexham saw early exchanges. QPR vs Millwall was live on Sky. Wolves legend Phil Parkes tribute and Martin O’Neill’s hospital release were noted. Yokota handed Rangers debut in the Europa League tie. Rangers’ Yokota debut was a highlight.