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13 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: August 21, 2026, 1:35 PM ET

Transfer Market

Tottenham have agreed a deal worth up to £85M ($102M) to sign Savinho from Manchester City, sources have told ESPN. The champions are already planning reinforcements, with Manchester City in talks over a move for Palmeiras winger Allan Elias. Liverpool, meanwhile, saw a £50M ($68M) bid for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh rejected by the south-coast club. In Saudi Arabia, former Arsenal and Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey has signed for Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab on a free transfer.

World Cup Fallout

Argentina have paid a heavy price for the brawl that marred last month's World Cup final against Spain, with midfielder Leandro Paredes hit with a 10-match ban. Two of his international teammates also received suspensions, while the South American nation escaped with only a fine for displaying a Falklands banner during the post-match chaos.

Premier League Kickoff

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has branded suggestions that his side were handed a favourable opening schedule "ridiculous." Pundit Ian Darke has delivered best- and worst-case forecasts for all 20 clubs after Arsenal rolled to the 2025-26 title. to the opening weekend, Julien Laurens tips Liverpool vs Newcastle as the standout fixture, while also assessing whether Jose Mourinho can win his first match upon returning to the Madrid dugout.

Contract Watch

United States attacker Brenden Aaronson has committed his future to Leeds United by signing a new three-year contract, the club announced Thursday. Supporters still riding the wave of World Cup excitement can follow how the USMNT stars are progressing overseas thanks to ESPN's comprehensive guide to their 2026-27 club seasons.

Real Madrid

New head coach Jose Mourinho has moved to quell tactical debate at the Bernabeu, insisting that Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe are not incompatible. The Portuguese manager expressed full confidence that the star trio can play together successfully in the same team as his second era in the Spanish capital begins.