FOOTBALL

City Contact Lille Over Ayyoub Bouaddi Deal

Manchester City, Lille and Ayyoub Bouaddi
Saturday

Manchester City have contacted Lille over a possible move for 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The club’s interest is described as a long-term plan and is not dependent on whether Rodri remains at the Etihad Stadium.

City hope an agreement can be reached and may place Bouaddi in Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad or loan him back to Lille. The approach follows his World Cup breakthrough and comes while Madrid interest surrounds Rodri.

Five Candidates Remain In Saudi FA Election

Saudi Arabian Football Federation and five presidential candidates
Saturday

Five candidates remain in the race to become Saudi Arabian Football Federation president after Dawood Al-Muqrin and Muaidh Al-Shahri withdrew. The election follows Yasser Al-Misehal’s resignation after Saudi Arabia’s group-stage exit from the 2026 World Cup.

Former Al-Ahli president Khalid Al-Ghamdi is among the remaining contenders, alongside Hatem Khaimi, Badr Al-Ruzaiza, Yahya Al-Sharif and Ahmed Al-Wadei. Voting is scheduled for 30 August, with the winner receiving a mandate running until 2030.

Ferran Torres Reportedly Chooses PSG Summer Move

Ferran Torres, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain
Saturday

Ferran Torres has reportedly told people around him and several Barcelona teammates that he wants to join Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona have softened their position and are now prepared to listen to offers for Spain’s World Cup final match-winner.

Barcelona and PSG are expected to begin talks early next week, although no club agreement exists. PSG view Torres as a flexible replacement for Goncalo Ramos, while Barcelona must decide what valuation would justify losing a key attacker.

Hull Open Talks For Australia Talent Herrington

Hull City, Colorado Rapids and Lucas Herrington
Saturday

Hull City have opened talks with Colorado Rapids over 18-year-old Australia defender Lucas Herrington. No agreement has been reached, but negotiations continue after Barcelona had an earlier offer rejected and Liverpool sent scouts to watch him.

Herrington became a regular MLS starter and made two World Cup starts for Australia after earning his senior debut in March. Newly promoted Hull are exploring the highly rated defender as they build a squad for their Premier League return.

Milei Criticises Argentina Players Over Falklands Flag

Javier Milei and Argentina’s national-team players
Friday

Argentine president Javier Milei criticised national-team players for displaying a Falkland Islands banner after their World Cup semi-final victory over England. He argued that sport and politics should remain separate despite the emotions surrounding the match.

Milei said Diego Maradona’s famous goals against England did not restore the islands and insisted sovereignty must be pursued diplomatically. His comments add another political controversy after FIFA opened proceedings over Argentina’s conduct during the tournament.

FIFA Starts Review Of 64-Team World Cup

FIFA, Gianni Infantino and member associations
Thursday

FIFA has begun a consultation on expanding the men’s World Cup from 48 to 64 teams starting in 2030. Documents seen by ESPN set a rapid timetable, with an initial decision targeted for 14 August.

An independent agency has been asked to assess the tournament and wider football impact, with proposals due on 7 August and full analysis in September. The compressed process could intensify opposition already surrounding Infantino’s leadership and governance approach.

Real Madrid Open Door To Vinicius Exit

Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior
Friday

Real Madrid are open to selling Vinicius Junior if the Brazil forward refuses their latest contract offer. The club does not plan to improve its proposal, while the player has only one year remaining on his current deal.

No meeting has been scheduled with Vinicius’ representatives, and Madrid believe the decision now rests with him. Arsenal are monitoring the situation, although a source close to the player said no contact has occurred with the Premier League champions.

Chelsea Complete Giulia Dragoni Signing From Barcelona

Chelsea Women, Barcelona and Giulia Dragoni
Friday

Chelsea have completed the signing of Italy midfielder Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona on a four-year contract. The 19-year-old arrives after two seasons on loan at Roma and already has 24 senior international appearances for her country.

Chelsea tracked Dragoni for several years and value her versatility across midfield and attacking positions. She becomes their fourth summer addition as Sonia Bompastor rebuilds the squad following Manchester City’s Women’s Super League title last season.

Eddie Howe Officially Leaves Newcastle United

Eddie Howe and Newcastle United
Friday

Eddie Howe has officially stepped down as Newcastle United head coach after nearly five years. The club accepted his decision and thanked him for an extraordinary contribution that included ending Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.

Howe said he needed to recharge after giving his life, heart and soul to the role. His departure follows a difficult season and transfer window, with Newcastle now expected to pursue Al-Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle.

Kieron Bowie Joins Sassuolo On Season Loan

Kieron Bowie, Sassuolo and Hellas Verona
Friday

Scotland striker Kieron Bowie has joined Sassuolo on a season-long loan from relegated Hellas Verona. The agreement includes an option to buy that can become mandatory if specified conditions are met during the coming campaign.

Bowie moved to Verona from Hibernian in January and scored four Serie A goals before the club’s relegation. The 23-year-old now remains in Italy’s top flight while seeking regular minutes, stronger form and further international progress with Scotland.