English football club rooted in West London, competing in the Premier League
Arsenal are set to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães after long-running talks. A final fee is expected to be around £80m, with medicals and paperwork imminent. Newcastle value the Brazilian at about £80m, having pushed to retain him following a season shaped by his leadership and consistent performances.
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.
Manchester City has re-signed Geronimo Rulli on a two-year deal to replace James Trafford, who has joined Leeds for up to £45m. City retains sell-on and first-refusal rights. Rulli is an Argentina World Cup winner and previously trained at City, with a career spanning Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Ajax.
The Scottish FA has been searching for a new manager after Steve Clarke’s departure following a group-stage exit from the World Cup. Roberto Martinez has emerged as a leading candidate, with Benitez also open to the role. The discussion centers on who can deliver further qualification and consistency for Scotland.
Former Romania international Gabriel Muresan has died at 44. He earned nine caps between 2007 and 2011, captained CFR Cluj to three league titles and three domestic cups, played in three UEFA Champions League group stages, and later served as mayor of Apold since 2020. Tributes have poured in from the Romanian Football Federation, UEFA, and local authorities.
Gotham FC has moved closer to its Queens home, with Sam Kerr returning to Gotham in a 1-0 win at Citi Field last night. The event marks a milestone as Gotham prepares to share Etihad Park with NYCFC in 2028 and aims to break attendance records for a women’s game in New York.
Karl Darlow has joined Manchester United on a two-year contract with an option for a third, serving as Senne Lammens’ back-up. The 35-year-old Wales international has left Leeds United after his contract expired and is set to bolster United’s goalkeeping options ahead of the new season.
Roberto Martinez has become the bookies’ favourite to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland manager after Clarke’s departure. While Martinez has strong credentials and Scottish ties, the SFA faces a high-stakes choice amid competition from other high-profile names. Decisions must be made quickly as clubs and coaches juggle multiple international interests.
Chelsea has appointed Xabi Alonso as manager, vowing to build a competitive team and target European qualification. He emphasizes a unified approach with sporting directors, hints at keeping key players, and signals a long-term plan despite recent instability.
Ken Bates, the controversial former Chelsea owner and chairman, has died at 94. He bought Chelsea for £1 in 1982, steered the club back to the top flight and helped shape its stadium and ownership model before selling to Roman Abramovich in 2003.
A series of large-scale seizures across the UK have disrupted counterfeit football shirts tied to the World Cup. Authorities warn the suppliers and criminal networks behind fake gear are linked to safety risks and broader crime. Fans face higher prices for official kit as prices rise across clubs; experts urge buying official gear to protect safety.
All eyes have focused on David and Victoria Beckham as England’s World Cup campaign progresses. Victoria’s calm, meme-worthy demeanor contrasts with David’s emotional celebrations; their public appearances have continued to generate worldwide attention. The narrative now turns to how this family’s status shapes coverage and public perception as England approaches the final.
Manchester United have secured Youri Tielemans on a four-year deal after activating a release clause; Andrey Santos has joined from Chelsea in a deal around £48m. Ederson’s move from Atalanta has stalled after a medical, prompting a shift toward younger targets as United recalibrate amid a crowded market.
England suffers a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semi-final, with late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez overturning an early lead from Anthony Gordon. England will play the bronze match against France; Kane contemplates the next steps in his international career as the team shifts focus to Nations League.
Argentina has clinched a dramatic stoppage-time victory over England, but the celebration has sparked a confrontation on the pitch. Barco celebrated near the England bench, and Bellingham is seen slapping Barco before a wider melee ensues. Barco’s celebration follows Enzo Fernandez’s late equaliser, with Argentina securing a 2-1 win after Martinez’s stoppage-time header.
The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain is set to feature 30 bespoke championship rings for the winners, with 1,996 rings for fans. Donald Trump is attending and will present the trophy, a move that has fueled controversy over the tournament’s political optics. Balogun’s suspension reversal is central to ongoing debates about integrity and influence in the event.
West Ham captain Bowen has reaffirmed his commitment to the club amid a summer of transfer activity. The side is rebuilding under new majority shareholder Daniel Kretínský and manager Rita Guarino, aiming to return to the Premier League after relegation. Bowen travelled to Prague for discussions and has been convinced by the club’s direction and ambition.
Wrexham has confirmed a high-profile pre-season tour to the United States, with fixtures against Leeds United, Liverpool and Sunderland. The team is focused on training and results as injuries shape squad selection ahead of the Championship campaign.
Chelsea has secured Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a Premier League record fee, on a six-year deal with an option for a seventh. The England attacker joins amid a busy summer under new manager Xabi Alonso as Chelsea look to rebuild after a 10th-place finish. Rogers is set to form a dynamic partnership with Cole Palmer, with the two England teammates expected to thrive under Alonso’s system.
The US president has attended the World Cup final in New Jersey, sitting with FIFA president Infantino. He has presented medals to officials and players as Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 after extra time, amid audible boos from the crowd. The event follows weeks of political signaling and a lobbying effort around a suspended red card. The atmosphere has been tense, with the global spotlight on a controversial figure at a global sports showcase.
United have already signed two midfielders this window and face injuries and departures that heighten the need for further reinforcements. Several targets are in play, with attention turning to a potential homegrown option as pre-season shows rising balance in midfield.
Kevin Keegan has died at 75 after battling cancer. The former England manager and star, who won two Ballon d’Or awards and led Newcastle to top-flight success, has been mourned by clubs and fans. The family says he passed away in the company of his wife and daughters.
Spain has captured a second World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in New Jersey. The win completes a dramatic tournament, with Messi’s form a defining thread. Post-match celebrations are underway across Spain while FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings over on-field clashes.
A wave of data from the Home Office and football bodies shows rising incidents at matches, with officials arguing current policing funding—with taxpayers shouldering about £70m annually—cannot continue. The debate centers on safety, policing costs, and the future role of clubs in funding security outside stadiums.
A 47-year-old Manchester official has stepped aside after an illustrious spell officiating 668 professional matches in England and 163 international fixtures, including World Cups and Euros. His final game was Portugal vs Spain in the World Cup last 16. He cites the pressure and scrutiny of elite officiating as the reason for stepping away, with praise from peers and a note of personal sacrifice.
Fenway Sports Group has received an approach from a consortium led by Amit Bhatia that has offered to buy a strategic minority stake in Liverpool. Reports have said Jeff Bezos has held talks about joining the group and the bid would value the club at roughly a34.5bn-a36bn; talks are at an early stage.
Phil Foden has extended his Manchester City contract until 2030 with an option to 2031, amid a renaissance under Enzo Maresca. The winger/attacker has become City’s most decorated player, and the deal signals confidence in a new era after Pep Guardiola’s departure. Maresca is reuniting with Foden as the club plans to reclaim dominance in domestic and European competitions.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Morocco with 16 teams, 34 matches, and a new qualification tie to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Morocco hosts; Nigeria defends the title as several debutants join the field. Kick-off times start at 17:00 GMT across venues, with the final on Aug. 16.
Arsenal has completed the signing of Greece international Christos Tzolis on a long-term contract, adding depth to the attack after Leandro Trossard’s move to Besiktas. The 24-year-old joins from Club Brugge, where he scored 43 goals and provided 45 assists in 108 appearances. He is expected to strengthen Arsenal’s options on the left and across the front line.
Elliot Anderson has joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for £116m, becoming one of the world’s most expensive midfielders. He signs until 2031 and is eager to prove himself under Enzo Maresca, aiming to help City continue their domestic and European success.
Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca faces a midfield puzzle as Rodri undergoes back surgery, with questions over his return and possible moves in a window that also sees new signings like Elliot Anderson and cautious talk around James Trafford and Jack Grealish.
Club rosters are being rebuilt ahead of a new season as Tottenham, Atletico, Real Madrid, Dortmund and Strasbourg sign several young players on multi‑year deals for substantial sums. The moves reflect a wider scramble for talent after last season’s shocks and with Europe’s top clubs reinforcing squads.
Donald Trump has attended and helped present medals at the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0. He has been the focal point before and after the ceremony, drawing boos and triggering debate over U.S. hosting ambitions, international diplomacy, and sports as a political stage.
King Kazu Miura has scored for Fukushima United in a 7-0 Emperor’s Cup win, extending his record as the oldest goalscorer and signaling a continued late-career push as he remains under contract into 2027.
Tottenham Hotspur have reinforced under Roberto De Zerbi with a club-record outlay this summer and are pursuing additional attackers to support a push back into Europe. New signings Tonali, Fernandes and Van Hecke have been completed, while Lucas Bergvall’s future remains under discussion. Chelsea’s Morgan Rogers and England teammates are among the targets. The club is confident of finishing higher than last season’s 17th place.
Dortmund has signed Kos Karetsas from Genk on a five-year deal for 32 million euros, plus potential bonuses, as part of a broader strategy to avoid a repeat near-miss in the league. The club is also building a strong women's side with major signings like Manuela Zinsberger and Alexandra Popp to advance ambitions in German football.
Messi has returned to the field for Inter Miami amid weather delays, scoring and assisting in a Leagues Cup clash. The club remains unbeaten in eight matches, with Messi’s form continuing after the World Cup final. Other MLS actions see Suarez and Mendez scoring in Columbus’ draw as the league contends with scheduling and player welfare.
Spaniard Olid has been appointed to replace Marc Skinner as Manchester United Women’s head coach, four weeks before the 2026-27 WSL season. She arrives from Hearts, where she led the SWPL club to a first league title and domestic final. United have moved to a youth-focused recruitment strategy amid a quiet transfer window.
Inter signs England defender John Stones on a two-year deal, moving from Manchester City to Milan. The transfer follows Stones’ World Cup form and ties him to fellow defender Akanji at Inter. The deal strengthens Inter’s backline as they chase more trophies this season.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has partially uph eld Mudryk’s appeal, allowing the Ukraine winger to return to competition with immediate effect after accepting a breach of anti-doping rules. The case cites changes to WADA procedures and a low concentration of meldonium in the original test. Chelsea welcomes the decision as the team prepares for the new Premier League season.
The Brazil international has secured a 2-1 win for Tottenham over Chelsea in a pre-season friendly in Sydney, scoring the 92nd-minute winner after Tottenham were reduced to 10 men. De Zerbi has suggested Richarlison’s future remains uncertain, with Spurs’ transfer activity intensifying this summer.
Chelsea have completed the seven-year signing of Valentin Barco from Strasbourg, adding a versatile left-back/midfielder to the squad. Barco, 21, has progressed from Brighton to Strasbourg, and is joining Chelsea ahead of the 2026-27 season as part of a busy summer of recruitment under manager Xabi Alonso.
Arsenal has reinforced midfield with Bruno Guimarães and Christos Tzolis while facing fitness doubts and potential more signings as the club begins a title defence.
MLS has named Larry Berg as the league’s next commissioner, with Don Garber transitioning to a chairman role by 2027. Berg will divest from LAFC and lead the league into a new calendar and media rights era following the 2026 World Cup boost.
Mohamed Salah has arrived in Istanbul as a free agent and is set to sign with Trabzonspor, marking a historic arrival for the Turkish club after negotiations were launched. Medicals are planned and a two-year contract is reportedly on the table, with option for a third.
Everton are negotiating to sign Denmark midfielder Christian Nørgård from Arsenal for around £7m, aiming to strengthen their midfield amid departures and injuries. Arsenal’s 2025-26 title win has left Nørgård seeking regular football, while Everton have also recruited Hackney and George to bolster the squad.
European federations have threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if private investment in football events continues, despite an apology from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The move could impact upcoming women’s World Cup qualifiers and youth tournaments in 2027, with Uefa insisting assurances against future proposals are required to lift any boycott.