English football club, Premier League champions and title-defenders.
Hull City has stunned Manchester United 2-0 on their return to the Premier League, with goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy securing a historic win. The result marks a dream start for Hull under new boss Sergej Jakirovic and raises questions about United’s early-season form.
Arsenal have begun their title defence with a convincing 3-0 win over Manchester City in Cardiff, with Christos Tzolis contributing two assists and Kai Havertz scoring. Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard anchored the midfield as the Gunners dominated from early in the second half.
Celtic has moved ahead in their Champions League play-off after a 3-0 first leg in Glasgow, with Nygren and Durán scoring and Duran adding a third. LASK created chances; Celtic are in a strong position for the return leg in Linz.
Arsenal have agreed a four-year deal to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, adding defensive versatility as they defend the Premier League title. The move comes as William Saliba is sidelined with a back issue and Jurrien Timber faces a groin problem, leaving Arsenal short at centre-back and right-back. Konsa could debut against Coventry on Friday or at Villa on August 31. Arsenal describe Konsa as high quality with athleticism and tactical intelligence, capable of playing centrally or at right-back.
Villa have signalled a busy transfer window with Ezri Konsa set to join Arsenal for over £50m. Ollie Watkins’s future remains uncertain as Unai Emery reshapes the squad, with Zion Suzuki stepping in as a potential Martinez replacement. The club has also signed several players to refresh a squad that won the Europa League and is trying to balance UEFA/PSR constraints.
Chelsea has extended Pedro’s contract on improved terms after a spectacular debut season, while Mudryk’s future remains in flux with Leeds and other clubs weighing bids as Chelsea evaluates options for the squad ahead of the new season.
Shakhtar Donetsk has secured four home fixtures in the Champions League main phase, but cannot play in Ukraine for security reasons due to the ongoing Russian invasion. The club will host matches at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, subject to UEFA approvals, with the draw to decide opponents next week in Monaco. Shakhtar’s true home remains Ukraine, and the arrangement follows sanctions affecting ownership and prior conflict in Donetsk.
Arsenal has opened the season with a commanding 3-0 win over Coventry at the Emirates, showing they remain champions with Havertz, Saka and Odegaard on target as they push to defend the title. Coventry face a tough start as Lampard’s side seeks survival in first top-flight match since 2001.
Arsenal has dominated Coventry in the Premier League curtain-raiser, delivering a statement win as the champions begin their title defense. Havertz, Saka and Odegaard have scored, while Coventry’s return to the top flight shows a difficult path ahead.
Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles has joined Fulham for £30m, becoming the country’s most expensive player. Former international Stuart Dallas backs Charles and teammate Ethan Galbraith for Premier League success, while NI boss Michael O’Neill has built the side around him.
The Brazil midfielder has joined Premier League champions Arsenal on a four-year deal, with Newcastle accepting a fee after extensive talks. Guimarães has left Newcastle, where he captained the side and helped win the 2025 EFL Cup, and will bolster Arsenal’s midfield options as they defend their title.
A total solar eclipse has swept from the Arctic through Greenland and Iceland to parts of Spain and a sliver of Portugal, while much of western Europe, Canada and the northern US has seen a dramatic partial eclipse. Crowds have flocked to Spain and Iceland for minutes of totality; scientists and space agencies have run live coverage and field experiments.
A wave of new football kit designs is hitting top Scottish and European clubs as the 2026-27 season approaches. BBC Business collects notable releases from AC Milan to Celtic and Wales, with reactions ranging from praise for heritage-inspired designs to criticism of bold, modern looks.
Arsenal has secured Bruno Guimaraes on a four-year deal, strengthening the team's midfield as injuries and a crowded schedule threaten depth. The transfer ends a lengthy saga with Newcastle and signals Arteta's plan to push Arsenal to a higher level this season.
LIV Golf has signed an agreement with a lead investor approved by its board to fund the league beyond 2026, pledging to make players majority equity holders and to reduce to a 10-event calendar from 2027. CEO Scott O’Neil has said the transaction aims to close in September and that multiple parties have shown interest as minority investors.
Arsenal have secured Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United for £75m on a four-year deal with an option for a further year. The transfer closes a long-running saga and strengthens Arsenal’s midfield as they move to defend their title. Newcastle accept a fee around £75m as they look to replace him with younger options.
Real Madrid have completed a €125m upfront fee plus €15m in add-ons to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, making him the club’s sixth summer arrival under Jose Mourinho. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger starred at the World Cup and becomes Madrid’s answer to long-term talent priorities.
The Argentina international has joined Manchester City from Marseille for £1.7m and will back up Gianluigi Donnarumma after James Trafford's departure to Leeds for up to £45m. Rulli has won the World Cup and Copa America with Argentina and previously spent time with Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Ajax.
Liverpool has secured Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona with an option to buy. The move strengthens the back line as injuries bite, with Konaté gone and several defenders sidelined. Araujo has taken a pay cut to join and will wear number 33, providing leadership and versatility at centre-back and right-back.
Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father and long‑time agent, has died in Rosario at 68 after a long illness. Clubs from Inter Miami to Barcelona and Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys have held moments of silence and issued tributes. Lionel Messi has travelled home and missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match while teammates and fans paid tribute.
FIFA has issued a statement rejecting allegations against president Gianni Infantino, calling recent reporting "unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims." The statement follows Daily Telegraph reporting on a UEFA exit payment to a former employee linked to Infantino and the collapse of his plan to privatise World Cup commercial rights, which has provoked calls for his resignation.
Benfica have overwhelmed Hearts 6-1 in Lisbon, but Hearts forward momentum is the focus as the tie ends 7-2 on aggregate. The Edinburgh side now faces a Conference League route via Rapid Vienna while Benfica progress in Europe.
Rangers have struggled at the start of the Derek McInnes era, with mixed results in domestic and European fixtures. The team is chasing improvement after a difficult run that has left them trailing Celtic in the league and facing a pivotal return leg in Europe.
Sara Bejlek has upset world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(7/9), 6-4 in Toronto, delivering a major upset ahead of the US Open. The Czech qualifier rode a late comeback in the first set tiebreak and seized momentum to reach the quarterfinals, where she will face Madison Keys. Rybakina and Swiatek also advance, keeping the Cincinnati and Toronto results shaping the build-up to the Open.
Liverpool has green-lit personal terms with Bradley Barcola as talks over a fee with PSG continue. Arsenal is pursuing Vinicius Jr. alternatives, while Rodri could move to Barcelona or Real Madrid. United and Newcastle are negotiating left-back options. The transfer window remains unsettled as clubs refine targets.
Paris Saint-Germain has beaten Aston Villa 2-1 in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened, Villa teenager Brian Madjo levelled, and Desire Doue scored the winner after a VAR review awarded the goal. Somali referee Omar Artan, controversially denied a US World Cup visa, officiated the match.
Arsenal has officially announced the signing of Bruno Guimarães for £75m from Newcastle, and he is being integrated as the club eye another title defense. The midfielder has given his first impressions and the squad will rely on his versatility to influence both build-up play and goals.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has returned to the field after his father Jorge’s funeral as he contemplates retirement. His father, who served as his agent, has died aged 68. Messi has expressed uncertainty about continuing to play, while teammates and opponents offer support as Miami exits the Leagues Cup group stage.
Arsenal have added Bruno Guimarães to the midfield and introduced him in a warm-up with Como, where a 1-1 draw led to a 4-3 shootout win. Myles-Skelly has started to cement his midfield role, while the club’s transfer activity remains high ahead of the season.
Aston Villa’s 17-year-old Brian Madjo has made his competitive debut, scoring a volley against Paris Saint-Germain after CAS cleared his registration. The delay in his registration sparked debate about youth movement and regulation, but his breakthrough performance signals a promising start as Villa weigh future striker options.
Manchester United has strengthened its squad with midfield additions Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, plus back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow, while Marcus Rashford has returned from a Barcelona loan. Manager Carrick says more signings are needed to challenge for the title and sustain Champions League contention.
Jimmy Rimmer, former England goalkeeper who helped Aston Villa win the European Cup in 1982, has died at 78. Tributes flow from Villa, Manchester United, Arsenal and others. He played for United, Arsenal, and Villa, and earned one England cap.
Arsenal are exploring a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s versatile defender Quansah, who can play centre-back and right-back. Talks are at an exploratory stage; Villa and Leverkusen hold valuations around €50m-€60m. Arsenal are also weighing Konsa as a potential option, while other targets and loan concerns shape their window strategy.
Chelsea has set a Friday deadline for offers at £120m for Enzo Fernandez, with Manchester City’s interest tied to Rodri’s potential exit. City have already signed Elliot Anderson, and Rodri’s future and Fernandez’s deal appear interconnected as both clubs reassess midfield options ahead of the new season.
Nine Premier League clubs start the 2026-27 season with new coaches, including Manchester United’s Carrick and Tottenham’s De Zerbi. Arsenal look to defend their title under Arteta as City begin under Enzo Maresca. World Cup fatigue, transfer chatter, and European commitments shape early form and squad strategies.
BBC and Al Jazeera report Manchester City are negotiating the transfer of Bouaddi from Lille to strengthen midfield, while Rodri’s exit to Barcelona is set to proceed on a four-year contract. City’s midfield overhaul appears imminent as Reijnders moves elsewhere.
The Premier League has introduced five-second countdowns for throw-ins and goal-kicks to curb time-wasting, increasing injury-required replacements to one minute, and expanding VAR powers to overturn certain decisions. A record nine new managers will begin the season, with Arsenal set as defending champions.
Quevin Castro has died at 25 after collapsing during a pre-season match between Real Sport Clube and Estrela da Amadora in Lisbon. West Bromwich Albion have announced tributes, and Real Sport Clube and Estrela da Amadora have expressed their condolences.