Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 9:00 AM ET

Transfer Window

Ferran Torres has told Barcelona he wants to join Paris Saint‑Germain this summer after agreeing personal terms, a source told ESPN. Meanwhile, Bruno Guimarães completed a £75m move to Arsenal in an emotional transfer from Newcastle, where sporting director Ross Wilson said the club did not plan to sell their captain. Arsenal also look set to add Bruno Guimarães' fit into their midfield, while the Gunners are reportedly eyeing Shakhtar Donetsk forward Kauã Elias and Inter's Pio Esposito, with Manchester United also interested. Spurs captain Cristian Romero is reportedly open to joining Arsenal, though Tottenham have resisted approaches from Atlético Madrid, who are also in talks over Romero. Liverpool have agreed a surprise loan deal for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, while the Reds have also signed Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos from CD Tenerife. Manchester City value Rodri at more than €70m amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, and City have also agreed a £17m deal for Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. Barcelona have increased their Rodri bid, while Real Madrid spent big to sign World Cup star Yan Diomande. Newcastle have rejected a Man Utd approach for Lewis Hall, while Leeds United have signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City in a club‑record deal. Ipswich Town have signed Serbia midfielder Saša Lukić from Fulham, and Crystal Palace completed the signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu after a trial. Coventry City have broken their club record to sign Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, while Bournemouth have signed right‑back Juanlu Sánchez from Sevilla. Millwall have signed Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes on a one‑year deal, and Rangers have made an improved offer for PSV's Couhaib Driouech, which PSV rejected. Celtic and Rangers are also chasing wingers, with Anderlecht holding talks for Dundee United’s Will Ferry. Hull City have signed Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjertø‑Dahl on a five‑year deal, and Birmingham City have signed France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa for £100k. The LA Galaxy have confirmed the signing of former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto, and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano has joined the Galaxy on an initial loan from San Diego FC. Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans made an impressive debut in a 1‑1 friendly draw with PSG, while Bayern Munich held off a late Aston Villa fightback to win 2‑1 in Hong Kong. Udinese beat Barcelona and Nottingham Forest to win the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup, and Chelsea bounced back with a 3‑0 win over AC Milan in Jakarta, powered by a Joao Pedro double.

International News

FIFA has hit out at a campaign to undermine president Gianni Infantino, after Norway’s federation called for his resignation over a failed plan to sell World Cup stakes. FIFA apologized for errors in that plan, but Infantino retains support from Mexico and Argentina. UEFA’s boycott of FIFA tournaments stands, with the FA also withdrawing support. Potential challengers for the FIFA presidency include several rivals reportedly circling. Argentina will not pressure Lionel Messi over the 2028 Copa América, while France say they still plan to compete in the U20 Women’s World Cup despite a UEFA boycott threat. Spain’s sports minister insists Spain deserves to host the 2030 World Cup final. Meanwhile, the FA has banned solid perimeter walls around pitches after safety review following the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar.

Club Friendlies & Preseason

Marcus Rashford is set to rejoin Man Utd at their preseason camp in Ireland, and the Reds drew 1‑1 with PSG in Gothenburg, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring the equalizer. Arsenal players were fuming after a 3‑1 preseason loss to Real Betis, while Barcelona cancelled a friendly in Morocco due to the Ceuta border crisis. Inter Miami paid tribute to Lionel Messi after his father’s death, but lost to Monterrey in the Leagues Cup. Messi had earlier scored a brace to lead Miami to a 4‑2 win over Atlético de San Luis. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Real Betis’ Antony were sent off after a confrontation in a 2‑2 friendly draw. Newcastle gave debuts to Horníček and Bamba in a pre‑season win over Valencia, with a Wissa double securing a 2‑1 comeback victory.

Domestic Competitions

Algeria reached the Women’s World Cup for the first time by defeating Ivory Coast in the WAFCON quarterfinals, with goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham. In the Scottish Premiership, St Mirren sit top after a 1‑0 win over St Johnstone, while Dundee beat Aberdeen 2‑0 with a Joe Bevan double. Celtic boss Martin O’Neill was released from hospital and is in “good form.” In the Carabao Cup first round, Burnley edged Notts County on penalties, Middlesbrough beat Wrexham 1‑0 via a Lankshear debut goal, and Walsall shocked Bristol City. The EFL Cup second‑round draw will take place Monday with 11 Premier League teams entering. In European competition, Hearts were thrashed 6‑1 by Benfica, Hibs secured a vital win, and Rangers lost 2‑1 to Jagiellonia. Old habits haunt Rangers under Derek McInnes. The Scottish FA will hold a summit on the future of the game and is closing in on a new head coach to replace Steve Clarke. The National League returns with a dramatic finish to live up to.

Obituaries & Off-Field

Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, died at. Wolves legend Phil Parkes passed away at. The family of Minnie Merriman, nine, who died after being found seriously injured, were overwhelmed after Arbroath FC held a silence. Meanwhile, England striker Ivan Toney has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm. Assistant referee Sian Massey‑Ellis has retired from officiating to take up a new role with the FA. Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel was handed a gold trading card made with real 24‑carat gold.

Women’s Football

Paris Saint‑Germain’s Alexia Putellas’ move to London City Lionesses was the biggest transfer in WSL history. Emma Hayes urged US Soccer to prioritize youth development at the U‑20 World Cup, and said she is “delighted” Mauricio Pochettino signed a new deal to remain US men’s coach. Mariona Caldentey says Arsenal are talking up their Treble chances after seven new signings. Key dates for the women’s football season have been released.

Other Football News

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have “big hopes” for Ceadach O’Neill. Myles Lewis‑Skelly is pushing to start in midfield for Arsenal. Conor Gallagher is ready to shine under De Zerbi at Spurs. Trent Alexander‑Arnold faces a defining second season at Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho. Vinícius Júnior signed a new six‑year Real Madrid contract – here’s how it played out. Real Madrid’s Mastantuono joined Fiorentina on loan. Liverpool’s £60m signing Jeremy Jacquet is set for an early debut. Why the Premier League struggles to attract the world’s best players at their peak. Leicester City’s 2016 title secrets revealed as they gear up for League One. A Spygate incident at Southampton has been addressed. Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku signed a new contract until 2031. Chelsea must cut their 41‑man squad before the window closes. The Scottish FA has scrapped the key match incident panel. Micky van de Ven is close to agreeing a new Spurs contract. The Carabao Cup first round featured a weekend start – why? And goals galore in the competition’s history. A man has a museum of footballs, and life as a Wag during the transfer window is detailed. Football’s ultimate journeyman Zeph Thomas has 39 moves across five countries. Finally, tech investors wanted a slice of the World Cup – but the plan was canned.