Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: August 26, 2026, 2:44 PM ET

Transfer Window Chaos

The final days of the transfer window are delivering drama across Europe. Tottenham have agreed a season-long loan with Manchester City for forward Omar Marmoush, including an obligation to buy for £60 million ($82m) next year. Meanwhile, Liverpool have approached Crystal Palace over a potential move for winger Ismaila Sarr. Sunderland are exploring a late loan deal for Manchester City's Jack Grealish, while Chelsea are weighing a late bid for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez. Manchester City are also considering a bid for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez before the deadline.

The Álvarez Saga

The Julián Álvarez transfer saga continues to dominate headlines. Atlético Madrid have hit back at Barcelona after the Catalan club again restated their desire to sign the Argentine forward, insisting there is "zero per cent chance" of a deal. The noise around the forward refuses to go away after a chaotic few days, with Arsenal also expressing interest. Barcelona, champions of Spain, and Arsenal, champions of England, both want Álvarez, who has faced backlash over his desire to leave Atlético. The Euro Leagues podcast weighed in on whether Álvarez is destined for Arsenal, while also discussing Schalke boss Muslić's comments on Dzeko and Karius' redemption.

Premier League Deals and Record Chases

Coventry City have signed Jamaica centre-back Ethan Pinnock from Brentford for an undisclosed fee reported to be around £6m. Newport County completed their 11th signing of the summer as midfielder Matt Dibley-Dias arrived on loan from Fulham. Wrexham are closing in on deals for Manchester City's Issa Kabore and Angers left-back Jacques Ekomie. Meanwhile, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle are closing in on Monaco's record for transfer income generated in a single window. Crystal Palace have had Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez as a long-term target, while Villa made a move after struggling to agree a fee for Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Barcelona and Manchester United Talks

Manchester United are set to open negotiations with Barcelona over the signing of defender Alejandro Balde, according to Transfer Talk. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick says Balde must improve to stay at the club after the defender indicated his desire to remain. The transfer window closes Sept. 1, with 10 players either needing to find solutions or facing intense speculation, including Barcola, Álvarez and Fernández.

Match Action and Results

Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted at half-time by Ange Postecoglou but watched 10-man Al Nassr turn a two-goal deficit into a 4-3 victory on Tuesday night. Newcastle host West Brom in the Carabao Cup with Toure and Woltemade starting, live on Sky. Everton travel to Preston with Dibling starting in the Carabao Cup. In his latest column, Paul Merson assesses Aston Villa's dreadful start following their heavy defeat at Brighton, saying if Watkins refused to play, "it's disgusting."

Rangers and Celtic News

Nicolas Raskin could be on his way out of Rangers, having not travelled to Jablonec for the club's Conference League play-off second leg, while the club are close to signing Kim Min-su from Girona. Celtic have now faltered in Champions League qualifying on six successive occasions, raising questions about where it went wrong and what the ramifications are this time.

Champions League and Europa League

Adidas has unveiled its match balls for the league phases of the men's and women's UEFA Champions Leagues, but will the famous 'star ball' design soon be no more? The league phase draw is upon us, and the Ask Me Anything team explains why Liverpool are not allowed to host Real Madrid in the league phase. The Europa League draw pots and teams are also explained ahead of Friday's league phase draw for the 2026-27 season.

Boxing and Other Sports

Chantelle Cameron and Mikaela Mayer held media workouts ahead of their world title fight, with a free live stream available. Serena and Venus Williams will play together in the 2026 US Open women's doubles after being given a wild card to enter the tournament.

Golf News

LIV Golf has confirmed they will cut most of their staff from next week, with talks ongoing to secure their long-term future and "make 2.0 a reality." The PGA Tour has confirmed its 2027 FedExCup schedule, running from January to August with numerous changes including a new event. Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist has announced she will retire from playing professional golf after this week's FM Championship. Luke Donald insists it's going to be "very challenging" to complete a historic Ryder Cup threepeat and expects new blood in Team Europe at Adare Manor next September.

Other Football News

The FIA has confirmed that Mercedes have been granted the opportunity to make engine upgrades despite protestations from rival teams. Ebbsfleet United's suspension from the National League has been extended, putting the club's future in serious doubt. New Atlanta United striker Breel Embolo said people in Europe are "shocked" at his decision to move to MLS, but he's excited about "a new start in my life." UEFA is set to formally withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving assurances Gianni Infantino's failed World Cup sell-off plan will not be revived.

Young Talent and Prospects

Palmeiras' Allan Elias attacks and defends down the flank all game, which is what made him so attractive to Manchester City. Both Franco Mastantuono and Estêvão moved from South America to Europe at the same time, but after a season, both ended up on different paths — lessons for South America's future stars. Zavier Gozo has already left MLS for the Premier League at age, so who are the next under-21 American prospects destined for a move to Europe?

EFL Podcast

Aaron and Jobi are joined by Tranmere boss Darrell Clarke on the latest 72+ podcast, discussing outfield players in goal and Leicester's problems.