FOOTBALL

Joe Gomez Injury Overshadows Liverpool Tour Win

Liverpool, Joe Gomez and Andoni Iraola
Saturday

Liverpool beat Sunderland 4-2 in their United States tour opener, but Joe Gomez’s early injury overshadowed Andoni Iraola’s first pre-season victory. Gomez went off after eight minutes while captaining a defence already short on senior options.

Iraola called Gomez’s injury the worst news and said Liverpool had been pleased to avoid fitness setbacks until then. New £55m signing Jérémy Jacquet was rested as a precaution, leaving Liverpool thin at centre-back during the tour.

Barcelona Women Sign US Keeper Tyler McCamey

Barcelona Women and Tyler McCamey
Saturday

Barcelona have signed United States goalkeeper Tyler McCamey for their European champion women’s team. The 24-year-old Princeton graduate joins from Dallas Trinity FC after making 15 appearances last season and arrives to compete in a rebuilt squad.

Barcelona still have Spain’s Cata Coll in goal, but the signing follows several major departures caused by financial pressure. Alexia Putellas, Mapi León, Ona Batlle and Salma Paralluelo have all left during a turbulent summer.

Ter Stegen Ajax Loan Stalls Over Salary Split

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona and Ajax
Saturday

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s proposed Ajax loan has stalled again after fresh complications over how his salary would be split. The move had looked close on Friday, but talks are now back in doubt.

Barcelona are refusing further concessions because of financial fair play limits, while Ajax reportedly cannot move higher. The setback turns what looked like a near-completed loan into another major Barcelona transfer saga.

Vozinha Completes Colo-Colo Move After World Cup Rise

Vozinha, Cape Verde and Colo-Colo
Saturday

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has secured a move to Chilean giants Colo-Colo after his breakout World Cup campaign. The 40-year-old joins as a free agent after leaving Portuguese second-tier club Chaves.

Vozinha became the oldest player to appear in a nation’s debut World Cup match and went viral after starring against Spain and Argentina. Colo-Colo gain an experienced goalkeeper whose profile surged sharply during the tournament.

Celtic Close On Club-Record Kasper Hogh Deal

Celtic, Bodo/Glimt and Kasper Hogh
Saturday

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said Kasper Hogh is due to have a medical within 24 hours. Reports claim Celtic have agreed a club-record £11m deal with Bodo/Glimt for the Denmark international striker.

Hogh’s likely arrival would ease pressure after Daizen Maeda’s move to Ipswich and Celtic’s slow summer business. He brings European pedigree after finishing joint top scorer in the Europa League and scoring against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.

Al-Hilal Prepare Record Push For Luis Diaz

Al-Hilal, Luis Diaz and Bayern Munich
Saturday

Al-Hilal have reportedly earmarked a huge package to sign Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz. Reports say the Saudi club could offer a €25m annual salary and a $120m to $150m transfer fee.

The deal would surpass Neymar’s Saudi Pro League record if completed, but Al-Hilal have not yet opened formal talks with Bayern. They want Diaz’s approval first before launching what could become a historic bid.

Messi Skips MLS All-Star Game Without Suspension

Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, MLS and Inter Miami
Saturday

Lionel Messi will not attend the 2026 MLS All-Star Game but will avoid suspension this time. MLS replaced Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Hugo Cuypers and Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the squad for Wednesday’s Liga MX match.

MLS and the players’ association agreed World Cup return timelines before the season, allowing Messi and De Paul to rest after Argentina reached the final. Last year, Messi missed the event and was suspended for one match.

Al-Ahli President Khaled Al-Ghamdi Resigns

Khaled Al-Ghamdi and Saudi Al-Ahli
Saturday

Khaled Al-Ghamdi has resigned as president of Saudi Al-Ahli after three years in charge. He announced his departure in an emotional message, thanking the board, PIF, staff, players and supporters.

Al-Ghamdi leaves after a successful spell that included two consecutive AFC Champions League Elite titles and the Saudi Super Cup. His exit creates a major leadership change at one of Saudi football’s most high-profile clubs.

Fortuna Friendly Chaos Leaves Referee Injured

Fortuna Sittard, Metz and referee Mathilde Demoncay
Saturday

Fortuna Sittard’s friendly against Metz descended into chaos after referee Mathilde Demoncay was struck during a player scuffle before half-time. French media reported she suffered a concussion and could not continue.

An assistant referee took over for the second half, while an amateur referee in the crowd was drafted in as an assistant. The incident turned a routine pre-season match into a serious safety concern.

Casemiro Cleared For Inter Miami Debut

Casemiro, Inter Miami and CF Montreal
Saturday

Casemiro is set to make his Inter Miami debut against CF Montreal after receiving his P-1 visa. The former Manchester United midfielder signed as a free agent through the 2027 MLS Sprint season.

Casemiro will not occupy a designated-player slot, with Miami’s three places held by Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and German Berterame. His debut comes while MLS continues reviewing LA Galaxy’s tampering claim over the signing.