FOOTBALL

FIFA to Review Hydration Breaks

FIFA, Arsene Wenger and World Cup organisers
Saturday

Arsene Wenger says FIFA will review the impact of mandatory hydration breaks after the World Cup. The three-minute pauses were used in every match, regardless of weather or venue, and drew boos from fans as the tournament progressed.

FIFA introduced the breaks for player welfare, but broadcasters also used them for commercials and coaches treated them like tactical timeouts. Wenger said FIFA has not reached a conclusion yet and will analyse whether they should continue.

Watt Sold to Samsunspor

Motherwell, Elliot Watt and Samsunspor
Saturday

Motherwell have sold midfielder Elliot Watt to Turkish Super Lig club Samsunspor for an undisclosed fee. The 26-year-old has signed a four-year contract after one season at Fir Park changed his career direction.

Watt made 42 appearances after joining from Burton Albion and helped Motherwell finish fourth in the Scottish Premiership. The transfer comes shortly after he received a domestic suspension for comments about a VAR decision against Celtic.

Spain Training Cancelled by Storms

Spain, Argentina and FIFA
Saturday before the World Cup final

Spain’s final training session before the World Cup final was cancelled after heavy thunderstorms hit New York and New Jersey. Luis de la Fuente’s squad were moved indoors after lightning triggered the tournament’s storm safety protocol.

Argentina’s nearby session was delayed for about 45 minutes before going ahead, while FIFA said Spain had no alternative outdoor slot. The disruption adds another weather issue before Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Chelsea Agree Rogers Record Deal

Chelsea, Aston Villa and Morgan Rogers
Saturday

Chelsea have agreed a club-record £117m deal to sign England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. The transfer would make Rogers the most expensive British player ever, narrowly above Manchester City’s recent £116m agreement for Elliot Anderson.

Rogers is expected to sign a six-year contract with an option for another season and undergo a medical on Monday. Aston Villa will bank a huge profit, while Middlesbrough are set to receive a major sell-on fee.

Martinez Reveals Hand Injury

Emiliano Martinez and Argentina
Friday before the World Cup final

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez admitted he has been playing through daily pain in his right hand throughout the World Cup. Specialists had advised surgery after he fractured his ring finger before Aston Villa’s Europa League final.

Martinez avoided an operation so he could play in the tournament and trained separately during the group stage. He has still started every Argentina match and is now set to face Spain in his second straight World Cup final.

Pogba Makes Monaco Return

Paul Pogba and Monaco
Saturday

Paul Pogba made a long-awaited return to the pitch for Monaco in a pre-season friendly against Saint-Priest. The former Manchester United midfielder featured in the second half as Monaco won 5-2.

Pogba’s appearance gives him a chance to rebuild after a difficult spell at Monaco and uncertainty over his future. He did not score or assist, but simply playing again was significant after recent fitness and career setbacks.

Mainoo Injury Ends World Cup

Kobbie Mainoo, England and Manchester United
Saturday before England’s bronze match

Kobbie Mainoo missed England’s third-place play-off against France after picking up an injury, ending his World Cup without a single minute on the pitch. The FA confirmed he was ruled out of the matchday squad.

The injury adds a worrying club issue for Manchester United, while also deepening questions over Thomas Tuchel’s use of Mainoo. The midfielder had been tipped to get minutes once England rotated after their semi-final defeat.

Liverpool Near Martinez Signing

Liverpool, Atletico Nacional and Samuel Martinez
Saturday

Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign Colombian teenager Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has travelled to Merseyside for final formalities, with the fee reported to be around £750,000.

Martinez is expected to remain with Atletico Nacional for another season before joining Liverpool next summer. The structure lets the club guide his development while keeping him in familiar surroundings for the next 12 months.

Tottenham Close Savinho Deal

Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Savinho
Saturday

Tottenham are reportedly closing in on a £65m move for Manchester City winger Savinho. The Brazil international has been a long-term Spurs target as Roberto De Zerbi continues a major rebuild after last season’s poor league finish.

Savinho scored only one Premier League goal last season, but Tottenham believe he can become an important wide option. City are reportedly exploring replacements, while Spurs have already spent heavily in the summer window.

Arsenal Agree Upson Switch

Arsenal, Tottenham and Elijah Upson
Saturday

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old Tottenham defender Elijah Upson on a free transfer. The centre-back rejected a new Spurs contract and is set to join Mikel Arteta’s long-term project across north London.

Upson’s route at Tottenham became harder after defensive signings and senior competition, while Arsenal’s academy pathway helped attract him. The move adds another rivalry edge to Arsenal’s busy summer of youth and first-team recruitment.