Last updated: August 10, 2026, 12:20 PM ET
Liverpool's Pre-Season Woes Under Iraola
Andoni Iraola admitted his Liverpool side "cannot sustain the level we want" after throwing away another 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Monaco at Anfield. The new boss's fitness comments have sparked concern among fans about the squad's conditioning, as the team has now blown two-goal leads in consecutive friendlies. Victor Munoz has emerged as a symbol of Iraola's high-press system, though the manager conceded "we cannot sustain the level we want" for 90 minutes. How Liverpool are shaping up shows early tactical promise but major fitness hurdles remain. Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo is set for a medical ahead of a surprise season-long loan from Barcelona, with Darwin Núñez appearing to announce the move prematurely on social media before official confirmation. Pre-season build-up is critical for Iraola's plans, but the defeat to Monaco exposed worrying fragility.
Liverpool Ownership Stake Developments
A consortium including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is closing in on a deal to acquire roughly a one-third stake in Liverpool. BBC Sport has been told the talks are advancing significantly for the minority investment, which would value the Premier League club at approximately £4bn.
Premier League Swap Deal: McNeil and Johnson
Everton and Crystal Palace have agreed a straight swap deal involving Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson, a rare practice in modern football. Premier League swap regulations allow such exchanges, though they remain uncommon. This exact scenario has occurred before with varying levels of success. Both clubs have confirmed the agreement, with McNeil moving to Goodison Park and Johnson heading to Selhurst Park.
Arsenal's Pre-Season Setbacks and Transfer Pursuits
Arsenal suffered a second straight pre-season defeat, losing 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Cup, with comical defending proving costly. Mikel Arteta remains active in the market after Vinícius Jr. opted to sign a new Real Madrid contract. The Gunners have completed a £75m signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, with analysis of where he fits in midfield. Arsenal are also pursuing Inter's Pio Esposito and could hijack Liverpool's move for Bradley Barcola. Defensive concerns persist after conceding "poor goals" according to Arteta.
Chelsea and Newcastle Pre-Season Progress
Chelsea bounced back from consecutive defeats with a 3-0 thrashing of AC Milan in Jakarta, Joao Pedro scoring a double. Inside Chelsea's pre-season, Xabi Alonso is implementing his philosophy with Mykhailo Mudryk making an emotional return. Luis Garcia hopes Alonso's Chelsea finish behind Liverpool. What we learned from the Milan thrashing shows Alonso's tactics taking hold. Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle began with a 2-1 comeback win over 10-man Valencia, Yoane Wissa scoring twice off the bench. Hornicek and Bamba were handed debuts by Jaissle. Jordan Nobbs says leading Newcastle to the WSL would be "job done."
Man City's Pre-Season and Rodri Saga
Man City impressed in a 3-1 friendly win over Atletico Madrid in Seoul, with Enzo Maresca's ideas taking hold and Omar Marmoush scoring a double. Maresca expects Rodri back with City next week amid intense speculation. Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of the Spain midfielder, but City won't sanction a cut-price departure, valuing Rodri at more than €70m. Barcelona made a second bid while Barcelona and Real Madrid both covet the World Cup winner. City have also agreed a deal to sign Geronimo Rulli from Marseille for £17m and are exploring an Enzo Fernandez move.
Man United Transfer Activity and Pre-Season
Manchester United are working on a deal to sign Leicester teenager Louis Page and targeting Club Brugge's Joaquin Seys as they focus on youth. Both United and Arsenal are chasing Shakhtar's Kauã Elias. Marcus Rashford has rejoined United's pre-season camp in Ireland. Youri Tielemans made an impressive debut in a 1-1 friendly draw with PSG, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring the equalizer. The inside story of United's missed Mourinho hiring after Ferguson has emerged, with Mourinho revealing he agreed to replace Sir Alex Ferguson before the club changed course.
Scottish Premiership Weekend Review
Rangers remain winless under Derek McInnes after a 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian, with an injury-time winner from Hibernian. McInnes believes his side "aren't as bad as people think," while Youssef Chermiti was stretchered off after Rangers rejected a bid for the striker. Rangers chairman Andrew Cavanagh admitted failure has "seeped through" the club over 15 years of finishing second. He expects three to five more signings before the window closes. Mohamed Diomande is set for a £4.5m move to Turkey, while PSV rejected an improved Rangers offer for Couhaib Driouech.
Celtic swept Kilmarnock aside 5-1 with Kasper Hogh scoring a hat-trick, silencing his early critics. Hogh's performance earned rave reviews with Celtic fans "going to fall in love with him" according to pundits. Hearts secured their first win under Wouter Vrancken, an emphatic 4-0 victory over Dundee United with three summer signings on target. Statistics suggested the win was coming despite early losses. Hearts also agreed a £1.7m deal to sell Alexandros Kyziridis to a Turkish club. St Mirren sit top of the Premiership after Killian Phillips scored again in a 1-0 win over St Johnstone. Dundee got their first points with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen, Joe Bevan scoring a double. Motherwell were held to a goalless draw by Falkirk before their European tie. A Scottish football summit has been called on the future of the game, while the SFA is closing in on a new head coach to replace Steve Clarke.
Real Madrid and LaLiga News
Jose Mourinho has criticised Bernardo Silva's fitness levels ahead of the new season, saying the summer signing needs to improve. Trent Alexander-Arnold faces a defining second season under Mourinho at Real Madrid. Vinícius Júnior's new contract ended weeks of Arsenal speculation. Franco Mastantuono has joined Fiorentina on loan from Madrid. LaLiga president Javier Tebas declared Gianni Infantino's "era is over," claiming the FIFA president is destroying football. Udinese beat Barcelona and Nottingham Forest to win the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup. Ferran Torres has told Barcelona he wants to join PSG after agreeing personal terms. Diego Simeone insists Atletico's position on Julián Álvarez is unchanged despite Barcelona interest.
Crystal Palace, Wrexham and EFL Transfers
Crystal Palace are close to signing Anan Khalaili from Union SG, a 21-year-old midfielder, and are in talks for Sidiki Cherif from Ligue. Wrexham are closing in on Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson in an £8m deal. Sunderland face an injury crisis as the deal progresses. Aberdeen signed Mitchy Ntelo from Yverdon-Sport, citing the Belgian forward's versatility. Sevilla are near a £7.9m move for Scotland U21 striker Robbie Ure from IK Sirius.
Carabao Cup First Round Action
The Carabao Cup second-round draw takes place tonight as Chelsea, Spurs and Newcastle enter. Middlesbrough beat Wrexham 1-0 with Will Lankshear's debut goal. Burnley edged Notts County on penalties 4-3 after a 1-1 draw. Wolves and Stevenage also progressed in the competition. The wildest scores in EFL Cup history have been revisited as the competition returns. Second-round details have 11 Premier League teams entering.
Women's Football: World Cup Qualifying and WSL
Nigeria are out of WAFCON after a shock 1-0 loss to Cameroon, their worst-ever performance. Nigeria still have hope for a 2027 World Cup spot through playoffs, says keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Algeria became the first team to reach the WAFCON semifinals and qualify for their first Women's World Cup. Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon and Malawi all secured World Cup places by reaching the WAFCON semifinals. Everything you need to know about the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil is now available. Alexia Putellas' arrival at London City Lionesses was the biggest WSL transfer in history. Emma Hayes is worried about USWNT youth development and urged focus on the U-20 World Cup.
MLS and Americas Football
Inter Miami paid tribute to absent captain Lionel Messi after the death of his father Jorge, who died at 68. Argentina won't pressure Messi over the 2028 Copa América. LA Galaxy signed Sergi Roberto from Barcelona and Hirving "Chucky" Lozano on loan from San Diego FC. Mexico won the Concacaf U20 championship with a 2-0 win over the US in a controversial final. San Jose hired Gavin Wilkinson as a consultant. Emma Hayes said she is "delighted" Mauricio Pochettino signed a new deal to remain USMNT coach.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Other Stories
False Ronaldo wedding reports sent hundreds of fans to Funchal cathedral for another couple's ceremony, with Cristiano reportedly finding it hilarious. Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Real Betis' Antony were both sent off after a confrontation in a 2-2 friendly draw. Brazilian player Jacy fell down a hole during his goal celebration for Coritiba. Coritiba also wore the name of an English fan with MND on their shirts. Seamus Coleman has been training with Killybegs but no GAA return is imminent. Life as a Wag during the transfer window reveals the challenges for players' families.
Transfers: Done Deals and Rumors
All done deals in August 2026 are being tracked. Lucas Digne completed his £8.5m move from Aston Villa to PSG. Aston Villa are interested in an Endrick loan, while Harry Kane is expected to extend his Bayern Munich deal. Cristian Romero is reportedly open to joining Arsenal from Tottenham, but Spurs are resisting. Burnley, Celtic and Malaga are vying for PAOK's Greg Taylor. USMNT summer transfer grades have been released, with several U.S. players finding new homes.
Boxing: McKenna, Dubois and Dublin Fight Night
Aaron McKenna became middleweight world champion with a dream homecoming win over Etinosa Oliha in Dublin. McKenna vows domination as the heir to Golovkin and Canelo. Callum Walsh maintained his unbeaten record with a unanimous decision over Tyler Denny. Walsh would entertain a fight against Aaron McKenna over Stephen McKenna. Joe Ward rescued his career with a unanimous decision win over Artjom Kasparian. Caroline Dubois "has the ingredients" to replace Katie Taylor as boxing's face, according to MVP. Dina Thorslund regained her world title by ending Cherneka Johnson's undisputed run. Predictions were split ahead of the Dublin double-header. Undisputed champion Johnson admitted Thorslund still occupies the bantamweight throne.
Cricket: Scotland World Cup Criticism and Domestic Action
Scotland and the Netherlands have criticised the ICC's World Cup format changes, saying the restructuring risks "weakening the integrity of international cricket." Ben Stokes made 43 to help Durham beat Essex in the One-Day Cup. Mitchell Marsh's half-century led Sun Risers Leeds past Welsh Fire in The Hundred. Trent Rockets sealed a knockout stage place with a six-wicket win over MI London. Sunrisers Leeds also dumped Welsh Fire out of the women's competition. Trent Rockets women clinched a knockout spot with a nine-wicket win over MI London.
Rugby and Other Sports
South Africa edged Argentina 17-10 in Test rugby but captain Siya Kolisi suffered an injury. Australia survived a Japan rally to win 35-32 in Les Kiss' debut as head coach. Tommy Makinson will retire at the end of the 2026 Super League season. Huddersfield Giants will move to Dewsbury from 2027 amid major investment. Leeds Rhinos underlined their title credentials with a thrilling 24-22 comeback win over Wakefield. Super League's Final Charge sees seven teams battling for play-off spots with five rounds left.
Golf: Korn Ferry Tour and Fed ExCup
Frankie Harris shot a 59 before winning the Korn Ferry Tour's Pinnacle Bank Championship in a play-off. Michael Brennan secured his Fed ExCup Playoffs spot by winning the Wyndham Championship by three strokes. Brooks Koepka called missing the playoffs "pathetic." Jon Rahm clinched the LIV Golf season points title for a third straight year despite a T41 finish. Charley Hull shot a course-record 62 at the PIF London Championship.
Tennis, Horse Racing and Other Sports
Jannik Sinner withdrew from the Cincinnati Open with a knee injury, raising US Open fears. Cameron Norrie was knocked out of the National Bank Open by Arthur Fils. Samangan won the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville. Sun Goddess provided Aidan O'Brien with his 18th Phoenix Stakes win. Ryan Moore led Great Britain and Ireland to the Shergar Cup crown. Big Buck's, the legendary staying hurdler, has died at. Badri chases a four-timer at Windsor on Monday. Gloucestershire honored Syd Lawrence in an MND fundraiser.
UEFA and FIFA Politics
UEFA has slammed Gianni Infantino's "deception" around botched World Cup stake sale plans. Norway's federation president has called on Infantino to resign, saying there is "no trust" in him, while Mexico and Argentina support the FIFA president.
Miscellaneous Football News
Wolves legend Phil Parkes has died at. BBC Cymru Premier will show live games for the next three years. The best new kits for the coming season have been ranked. Premier League 2026-27 kits have been ranked from Elvis tribute to retro classics. World Cup burnout is affecting elite clubs including Arsenal and Liverpool. Tech investors wanted a slice of the World Cup, raising questions about AI-proof football. Arbroath held a silence for Minnie Merriman, nine, whose family is "overwhelmed." McLaren boss Andrea Stella issued a warning to rivals about maintaining momentum in the title battles. The Scottish Football Podcast discussed Celtic hitting five and Rangers' loss to Hibs. Guess the Premier League star challenge continues with player No. 21.