Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: August 27, 2026, 9:49 AM ET

Premier League & Transfers

Liverpool have agreed a deal in principle with Paris Saint-Germain to sign forward Bradley Barcola for a package worth £120m ($163M), according to sources who confirmed the blockbuster move to ESPN. The BBC adds the deal casts doubt on Cody Gakpo's Anfield future as the transfer window hurtles toward its Sept. 1 close. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town are closing in on Argentina World Cup winner Exequiel Palacios from Bayer Leverkusen.

Nottingham Forest have completed a club-record £50m signing of striker Liam Delap from Chelsea, who make a huge profit on the sale. BBC Sport examines what went wrong for Delap at Stamford Bridge and how he could thrive in new surroundings. Chelsea are also in talks to sign 18-year-old Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor for £34.3m.

In the transfer rumor mill, Manchester City and Arsenal are set to battle for Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, while Julián Álvarez faces an uncertain future as Barcelona and Arsenal circle — though staying at Atlético Madrid remains possible, per this analysis. Rangers have agreed a fee for Venezuela striker Kelsy, while Celtic face competition for a Torino midfielder. Ander Herrera is playing for free in Spain's third tier after returning home to Zaragoza. As the deadline approaches, ESPN lists ten players who could still move before the window slams shut on Sept. 1.

Match Action & Weekend Preview

Rain has delayed the start of England's second Test against Pakistan at Lord's, with the full scorecard available as play gets underway. Kylian Mbappé delivered an "incredible" hat-trick performance to power Real Madrid to a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad, silencing the jeers on José Mourinho's Bernabeu return. Roberto De Zerbi toasted the perfect day for Tottenham new boy Sávio after his debut goal, but then set a 10-12 goal target for the winger this season.

With all 20 Premier League teams having played their first game, ESPN's writers overreact to Matchweek 1 and what it signals for Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United and the rest. The weekend predictions column asks whether pressure is already on Man United after another loss to a promotion side, and whether Wrexham can beat Birmingham. Russell Martin's reputation is on the line as he tries to halt Leicester City's downward spiral.

Women's Football

Chelsea star Lauren James says she is letting her guard down, explaining that "it looks like I don't care, but I'm so passionate" in an emotional interview about her growth and overthinking. Despite a lack of preseason, Chelsea's new signings proved they remain a UWCL threat with a qualifying win over Real Sociedad. Arsenal Women's focus is crystal clear as they look to right the wrongs of past WSL title challenges and end a six-year drought. Spain forward Esther Gonzalez has attracted backlash from fans after signing for Saudi Women's Premier League side Al Qadsiah.

European Draws & UEFA Politics

The seeding pots are set for Thursday's Champions League league phase draw, with the final four teams clinching their places on Wednesday. The Conference League draw takes place Friday, with the Europa League pots also confirmed — BBC Sport explains who is in each. Hearts have secured Conference League glory, but will Rangers, Motherwell or Hibs join them? UEFA is set to formally end its FIFA boycott after receiving assurances over Gianni Infantino's failed World Cup sell-off plan — but will still push to remove Infantino as FIFA president. Barcelona have scrapped their tribute to Spain's World Cup winners amid fan tension. Adidas has unveiled new match balls, but will the iconic UCL 'star ball' design be replaced after this season?

Club Features & Form

Cole Palmer says he is "back to his best" and feeling the best he has "in ages" under Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, putting a tough previous campaign behind him. Bukayo Saka has struggled for consistency recently but could be getting back to top form at Arsenal this season. Manchester City's new signing Allan Elias was nicknamed "Mini Balotelli" as a kid — here's how he overcame tragedy to thrive. Meet the Bundesliga overachievers led by Benjamin Weber, an ex-Chelsea analyst who jokes he told Mason Mount to play the pass for the 2021 Champions League winner.

Other Sports

The US Open men's title is up for grabs with Jannik Sinner's injury throwing the field wide open, leaving Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic among the favorites. Mercedes could be left "hanging on" in the title race after appearing to front-load their 2026 car development, according to Sky Sports F1's Bernie Collins. Enoch makes his return at Lingfield Park on a busy day of racing across four tracks, live on Sky Sports Racing.