Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 9:21 PM ET

Transfers and Club Moves

Atlético Madrid and Tottenham have agreed a deal for defender Cristian Romero worth €40 million, with sources telling ESPN that personal terms are also settled. A separate report from Sky Sports confirms Atletico have agreed a €34.2m deal in principle. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone and Julian Álvarez held talks at the club’s training ground on Wednesday, their first meeting since the forward requested a transfer. Romelu Lukaku has joined Fenerbahce from Napoli for an undisclosed fee, with the Belgium striker describing the move as “emotional” to BBC Sport. ESPN reports the fee is €6 million ($7m) for Lukaku. Manchester City have signed goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Marseille, as confirmed by City. Chelsea have set Manchester City a deadline of 5pm this Friday to bid for Enzo Fernández, while the Blues are also preparing a list of players for sale including Jackson, Gusto and others. Arsenal have received a bid from Galatasaray for Gabriel Martinelli, and the club remains in talks with Aston Villa over a move for Konsa. Mikel Arteta confirmed Arsenal are “actively chasing” more signings but admitted the pool of available players who can improve the squad is small, via Sky Sports. Hull City signed Nobel Mendy from Rayo Vallecano for a club-record fee and also added Lucas Herrington. Celtic have signed winger Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo on a four-year deal. Chucky Lozano, pushed out of San Diego, is reportedly a “perfect fit” for the LA Galaxy.

Match Reports and Friendlies

PSG won the UEFA Super Cup 2-1 against Aston Villa, with Désiré Doué scoring the winner. Sky Sports described how Doué “silenced” the Madjo-mania as PSG claimed the trophy. Teenager Brian Madjo, ended his eight-month wait by scoring on his Aston Villa debut in the same match, as reported by BBC Sport. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Como in a friendly, with Myles Lewis-Skelly scoring amid transfer speculation. Bruno Guimarães made his first appearance for the Gunners, as covered by Sky Sports and ESPN. Manchester United beat Leeds United 5-4 on penalties in a friendly in Dublin, with Noussair Mazraoui keeping his cool and rolling in the decisive spot-kick despite “big love” pitch invaders, per Mazraoui. Joshua Zirkzee and Brenden Aaronson scored in a 1-1 draw before the shootout; Marcus Rashford was absent from the squad but remains part of United’s plans. Real Madrid beat Deportivo La Coruña 1-0 in a friendly, with Brahim Díaz scoring just before halftime; Bernardo Silva and Denzel Dumfries started. Everton strolled to a 3-1 win over Newcastle in a friendly at Murrayfield, as reported by Sky Sports. Barcelona will play Montpellier during a solar eclipse, with players advised to “keep your eyes on the ball”, per ESPN. The solar eclipse also affected cricket fans at Edgbaston, who were given a stunning view of the partial eclipse while watching sport.

Managerial and Coaching News

The Netherlands have hired Barcelona great Xavi Hernández as national team coach through the 2030 World Cup, following Ronald Koeman’s resignation, announced by ESPN. José Mourinho is back at Real Madrid 13 years after leaving, but can the 63-year-old restore former glory? BBC Sport examines the challenge. The Chicago Stars fired head coach Martin Sjögren with the club bottom of the NWSL, and brought back Lorne Donaldson, per ESPN.

Messi and Tributes

Lionel Messi returned to the Inter Miami bench for their Leagues Cup match against Club Leon just days after his father Jorge’s death, as reported by ESPN. Messi later paid an emotional tribute to his father on Instagram. BBC Sport looks back at some of Messi’s most iconic moments as he ponders retirement.

International and Women’s Football

Malawi’s fairy-tale run at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations continues, with sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga sharing three goals in a 3-1 semi-final win over Algeria, per BBC Sport. Youri Tielemans said FIFA’s shock decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s red card inspired Belgium’s World Cup knockout win over the USA, via ESPN.

Other Sports

MI London’s bid for a fourth straight Hundred title ended despite a narrow win over Birmingham Phoenix in the men’s group match, as Sky Sports reported. In the women’s Hundred, Birmingham Phoenix avoided the wooden spoon with a consolation win, led by Ellyse Perry’s half-century, per Sky Sports. Rory McIlroy returns to PGA Tour action at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, and believes it’s a good chance to assess his game, via Sky Sports.

Around the League

Bruno Fernandes remains at the centre of attention at Manchester United, with his future and contract situation under scrutiny, as BBC Sport reports. Arteta welcomes speculation around Myles Lewis-Skelly, saying it shows his players are performing well.