Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 12:18 PM ET

Football/Soccer – Past 3 Days Briefing

Transfer Market Frenzy

The summer transfer window is reaching a fever pitch, with several major deals either completed or advancing. Chelsea have set a Friday deadline for Manchester City to meet their £120 million valuation of Enzo Fernández, who is also a target for the Premier League champions as they look to reinforce their midfield. Chelsea have told Manchester City the deadline is 5pm Friday. The Blues themselves are eyeing Arsenal's Martín Zubimendi as a potential replacement for the Argentine. Meanwhile, Manchester City have rejected a fresh £55 million bid from Barcelona for Rodri, though the Catalan club remain optimistic about eventually securing the World Cup winner. Barcelona have also rejected a €40 million offer from PSG for Ferran Torres. Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal in principle with Tottenham to sign defender Cristian Romero for around €40 million. Galatasaray have submitted a €45 million bid for Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, while Arsenal are also fending off interest from Chelsea for Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Premier League Moves

Romelu Lukaku has sealed an "emotional" move to Fenerbahce from Napoli for a reported fee of around €6 million. Youri Tielemans has apologized to Aston Villa fans after comments he made about joining a bigger club in Manchester United. Everton have signed Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace in a swap deal involving Dwight McNeil. Wrexham are set to break their transfer record to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. Ipswich Town have agreed a fee for Paraguay forward Julio Enciso from Strasbourg. Crystal Palace have re-signed Evann Guessand on a season-long loan from Aston Villa. Coventry City have re-signed midfielder Gustavo Hamer from Sheffield United. Jérémy Doku has penned a new five-year deal with Manchester City. Pep Chavarría has completed his move to Chelsea from Rayo Vallecano for around £16 million. The Blues have also given the go-ahead for Mykhailo Mudryk to leave on loan.

European & Scottish Football

Celtic have made their fourth summer signing, bringing in German midfielder Mika Baur from Paderborn on a four-year deal. Fulham's pre-season friendly against Málaga ended in chaos as the Premier League side walked off the pitch before a penalty shootout, with Málaga scoring into an empty net. The Netherlands have appointed Barcelona great Xavi Hernández as their new national team coach. Celtic also continue to be linked with Chelsea's Emenalo on loan. Nottingham Forest have signed defender Ousmane Diomande from Sporting for £34 million. Derby County's takeover by Turki Alalshikh has collapsed, with the club now off the market. Paul Pogba is expected to have his contract terminated at Monaco.

Match Results & Performances

PSG won the UEFA Super Cup, beating Aston Villa 2-1 in Salzburg, with Désiré Doué scoring the decisive goal. Villa's teenage striker Brian Madjo scored on his debut but it was not enough. In pre-season action, Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Como, while Everton comfortably beat Newcastle 3-1 at Murrayfield. A man named Mazraoui kept his cool as Manchester United beat Leeds United in a penalty shootout in Dublin. Real Madrid beat Deportivo 1-0 in a pre-season friendly. In the NWSL, the last-placed Chicago Stars fired coach Martin Sjögren. In The Hundred, MI London's title defense ended despite a win, while SunRisers Leeds snatched a spot in the women's eliminator.

Super Cup & European Drama

PSG's victory in the UEFA Super Cup over Aston Villa was marked by a breakout performance from Désiré Doué. Unai Emery was chasing his first Super Cup, but his side struggled as three key players were unavailable. PSG were reportedly unhappy with their dressing room allocation at the Red Bull Arena. The match also saw the return of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the Parisians. The Super Cup also marked an opportunity for PSG to aim for a three-peat of Champions League titles. Meanwhile, the draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup saw Chelsea drawn against Luton Town and Tottenham facing Charlton.

Controversies & Off-Pitch Issues

FIFA president Gianni Infantino continues to face a battle for his position. The heads of six Arab football federations have expressed their "full support" for Infantino. However, US President Donald Trump has warned FIFA against making a "terrible mistake" by replacing him. The FAI has officially withdrawn its support. A map shows the world's division over Infantino's leadership. Former Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has spoken out about the reasons for his retirement, citing a "culture of fear" driven by critical former referees. In other off-pitch news, Everton's Martin Sherif has been charged with breaching betting rules for allegedly placing 61 bets on matches. The South Korean FA has apologized amid a sexual favours scandal, while the PFA has started legal proceedings over the League One salary cap.

Major Club & League News

Leicester City's Thai owners King Power are hoping to sell the club for more than £200 million. Jeff Bezos is reportedly in talks for a stake in Liverpool, though it would not drastically change the club's spending power. Premier League shirts will look different this season as the ban on gambling sponsors takes effect. West Ham face a boardroom battle as they prepare for their first Championship season in 14 years, with the question of whether they can bounce straight back up. The Championship play-offs will expand to a six-team format this season. Super League has received an investment offer from the NRL in Australia.

NFL, F1, Tennis, & Other Sports

NFL pre-season is underway, with the Vikings confirming Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback. In F1, Kimi Antonelli is on course to become the sport's youngest-ever champion. Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur has outlined the team's path to the title fight. Cadillac have sacked team principal Graeme Lowdon, replacing him with Marcin Budkowski. In tennis, Brandon Nakashima beat Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar in the semi-finals of the Canadian Open. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy returns for the FedEx Cup Playoffs. In boxing, Craig Richards is set for a showdown with Radivoje Kalajdzic on the Johnny Fisher bill.

Aston Villa & Arsenal Updates

Aston Villa's teenage striker Brian Madjo made a fearless debut in the Super Cup, ending an eight-month wait for a competitive game. Villa are also closing in on a move for Atletico Madrid defender Matteo Ruggeri. Arsenal have held further talks with Villa over defender Ezri Konsa. Mikel Arteta has welcomed the speculation around Myles Lewis-Skelly and is actively looking for more signings after Vinícius Jr. chose to stay at Real Madrid. Arteta also brushed aside transfer speculation surrounding Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Other News & Gossip

Coventry City are interested in signing Mykhailo Mudryk on loan, while Barcelona are still chasing Rodri and Manchester United have made a move for Real Madrid striker Endrick. Inter Milan are in talks with Tottenham over a deal for Djed Spence. The contenders to replace Rodri at Manchester City have been identified. West Ham have signed winger Manor Solomon from Tottenham. A map shows the world's division over Infantino. The Premier League will kick off this weekend with a new season, and the Community Shield has provided a preview. The 2026-27 Premier League kits have been ranked.

Women's Football

Cameroon's Michaely Bihina saved four penalties to upset Morocco and reach the Wafcon final. Malawi also reached the final after the Chawinga sisters scored three goals in a semi-final win over Algeria. USWNT star Olivia Moultrie is out for the season with an ACL injury. Chelsea will face Real Sociedad in UWCL qualifying. England's Under-20 Women's World Cup participation is under a cloud. NWSL Power Rankings have a new No. 1.