Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 6:21 AM ET

Managerial and Coaching News

Paolo Maldini has revealed that Pep Guardiola came so close to becoming Italy head coach that he began scribbling potential lineups during discussions. Meanwhile, new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca opened up about replacing Guardiola, his interest in AI, and a captaincy dilemma. In Spain, Luis Miguel Ramis has been appointed Osasuna’s new coach, a former Real Madrid academy product who won LaLiga with Deportivo La Coruña.

Transfer Window

Manchester United are weighing a summer move for RB Leipzig left-back David Raum, while Liverpool have completed the loan signing of Barcelona captain Ronald Araújo with a €55 million option. After leading Spain to World Cup glory, Rodri is attracting interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid, though his future remains uncertain. Wrexham are set to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson in a potential club-record deal, while Crystal Palace is finalizing the transfer of U.S. prospect Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake. Everton and Palace completed a swap deal sending Dwight McNeil to Selhurst Park and Brennan Johnson to Goodison Park. Borussia Dortmund’s scouting director Sebastian Krug is being targeted by multiple Premier League clubs after his role in signing Haaland and Bellingham. Rangers have agreed a £6.5 million deal for PSV winger Driouech and are seeking a loan for a left-back.

Competition News

The Carabao Cup second-round draw has set up a clash between Chelsea and Luton Town, while Tottenham will host Charlton Athletic. Following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in western Colombia, Copa Libertadores and domestic league matches have been postponed. Mexico won the Concacaf U20 Championship for the second straight year with a 2-0 victory over the United States in a controversial final that featured a suspect red card. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he is still “trying” to add players after Vinícius Júnior opted to stay at Real Madrid.

Other Soccer News

Marcus Rashford is set for reintegration at Manchester United after his loan spells, raising questions about whether it is a good idea. Cristiano Ronaldo laughed off false wedding reports that sent hundreds of fans to a cathedral in Funchal, where they witnessed a different couple’s ceremony. Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan expressed gratitude for being assigned the Super Cup after being refused entry to the United States. The Scottish football podcast discusses Dundee’s rise, Rangers pressure, and Hearts cash. US President Donald Trump warned FIFA that replacing Gianni Infantino would be a “terrible mistake.” Liverpool’s teenage defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe has impressed in preseason but is blocked by Brexit rules from playing competitive matches. Goalkeeper Milo Beimers is undertaking a 2,000-mile van journey across Europe to find a new club. ESPN’s column questions whether Real Madrid’s summer signings make any sense given their ambition to win trophies.