Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 15, 2026, 11:38 AM ET

La Liga Season Kicks Off Without Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Atlético

The new La Liga season is underway, but fans will have to wait to see the league's traditional giants in action. Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid are not scheduled to play on the opening weekend. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo's opening match against Osasuna was postponed due to a fungus outbreak on their pitch. This season also sees the introduction of new laws, including changes to VAR and timewasting protocols, aimed at making the game quicker.

Premier League Transfer Buzz and Club Activity

Premier League clubs are active in the transfer market. Newcastle United are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Benfica defender Amar Dedic. Crystal Palace has signed Israeli international Ana Khalaili. Arsenal is reportedly leading the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Jack Hinshelwood, and have also been linked with Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa. Manchester City has extended Jérémy Doku's contract but is likely to see midfielder Tijjani Reijnders depart for Saudi Pro-League side Al-Qadsiah for a reported £52m. Chelsea has completed the signing of Pep Chavarría from Rayo Vallecano and is also reportedly interested in Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi.

Championship and Lower Leagues Prepare for New Season

The Championship season is set to begin, with previews available for all 24 teams. Hull City has made significant signings, bringing in Joe Gelhardt and Lucas Gourna-Douath. West Ham faces boardroom uncertainty on the eve of their Championship campaign. In League One, BBC Sport previews the strengths and weaknesses of all 24 competing teams. Meanwhile, League Two also has its club-by-club previews, with Salford and York City among those aiming for promotion.

European Transfers and Managerial Moves

Several high-profile transfers are shaking up European football. Paris Saint-Germain has agreed to a deal in principle for Barcelona's Ferran Torres, with reports indicating a fee around £43m. PSG also defeated Aston Villa 2-1 to win the UEFA Super Cup, with Desire Doue scoring the winning goal. Former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli is the frontrunner for the Scotland national team job. In Germany, Liverpool midfielder Sofie Lundgaard has completed a permanent transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt.

International Football News and Transfers

The international transfer window remains busy. Paris Saint-Germain has completed the signing of World Cup winner Ferran Torres from Barcelona. Atlético Madrid has reached an agreement with Tottenham for defender Cristian 'Cuti' Romero in a deal worth €40 million. Romelu Lukaku has joined Fenerbahce from Napoli. Celtic has signed winger Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo and German midfielder Mika Baur from Paderborn.

Other Football News and Updates

In other football news, Bournemouth has vowed to "do better" after issues with matchday staffing. The RFU has postponed the start of the competitive community rugby season until the week commencing Monday September 21 due to "concerns about player welfare and pitch conditions". The new Premier League season will see changes to kits due to a ban on gambling sponsors on the front of shirts. Former European Cup winner Jimmy Rimmer has passed away at the age of.