France’s top football league, 18 clubs, promotion and relegation with Ligue 2
Sebastien Pocognoli has been appointed Scotland’s head coach on a two-year contract, taking over from Steve Clarke. He led Union Saint-Gilloise to a Belgian title and has experience at Monaco. The SFA says he is a bright, modern coach who will bring a front-foot style as Scotland prepare for Nations League fixtures.
Arsenal have added Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier, with fitness concerns over key players and ongoing transfer speculation shaping preparations for the new season.
Crystal Palace has appointed Pierre Sage as head coach after Oliver Glasner’s departure. Sage signs a three-year deal, aiming to continue Palace’s winning approach as they enter another European campaign.
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi has been cleared to travel to Canada for a World Cup clash with Germany after authorities briefly barred him from entering. The move follows reports he was linked to a probe into sports corruption in France. FIF says it has confidence in him and he will join the squad in Toronto for the group match.
Sandro Tonali has completed a record transfer from Newcastle to Tottenham for an initial 92.5m pounds, with potential to rise to 100m based on Champions League qualifications. The move follows heavy recruiting at Spurs and includes comments from Tonali on the club, manager Roberto De Zerbi, and Newcastle fans. The transfer signals a midfield revamp for Tottenham.
Aston Villa has spent €12m to sign Brian Madjo from Metz; FIFA registration rules have prevented the player from being registered, with a CAS appeal hearing held and a ruling expected as UEFA and Premier League deadlines loom.
The Guardian and Independent reports confirm Arthur Fery has advanced to the Wimbledon third round after defeating Otto Virtanen in four sets, aided by home support and a nosebleed that interrupted play midway through the match. This victory keeps British hopes alive and ensures Fery enters the world’s top 100 for the first time.
Folarin Balogun has been ruled to continue for the World Cup knockout clash after FIFA suspends his automatic red-card ban following a personal appeal from President Trump. The decision has drawn sharp reactions from Belgium and other observers as the co-hosts push toward the quarterfinals.
Balogun remains at the centre of the World Cup narrative as controversy over his red card and Trump’s intervention continues to unfold, with ongoing debates about birthright citizenship and American identity shaping coverage.
Arthur Fery has advanced to the Wimbledon men’s semi-finals as a wildcard, defeating Flavio Cobolli in straight sets to continue his historic fairytale run. He will face Alexander Zverev in the next round, while British fans celebrate a rare deep run by a homegrown player.
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.
Inter Milan has signed England wing-back Djed Spence on a five-year deal for around €30m, joining John Stones at the San Siro. Spence departs Tottenham after 85 appearances, bringing a World Cup-relevant experience to a title bid in Serie A.
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.
Fifa's proposals to sell stakes in World Cup rights to private investors have triggered a backlash from European football bodies and key advisers. A resignation amid the controversy underscores widespread opposition and questions about governance. Leaders warn the World Cup should remain in football hands as the debate continues.
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.
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.
The Scottish FA has identified the Belgian coach, Pocognoli, as the preferred choice to replace Derek McInnes as Scotland manager. Pocognoli guided Union Saint-Gilloise to a historic Belgian title in 2024-25, and is seen as the first foreign boss for Scotland since Vogts. Clarke has stepped down after Scotland’s World Cup group exit.