FOOTBALL

Ken Bates Dies Aged 94

Ken Bates, Chelsea and Leeds United
Saturday

Former Chelsea and Leeds United owner Ken Bates has died aged 94. Bates bought Chelsea for £1 in 1982, later selling to Roman Abramovich in 2003, before taking control of Leeds during another turbulent period.

Bates was one of English football’s most confrontational and influential modern figures, helping save Stamford Bridge while attracting controversy throughout his ownerships. His Chelsea era included major trophies, European stars and the transformation of the club’s stadium future.

Coventry Sign Tchaouna From Burnley

Coventry City, Burnley and Loum Tchaouna
Saturday

Premier League Coventry City have signed French winger Loum Tchaouna from relegated Burnley for an undisclosed fee. Reports put the deal at around £20m, with the 22-year-old agreeing a five-year contract.

Tchaouna brings experience from Ligue 1, Serie A and the Premier League after spells with Rennes, Salernitana, Lazio and Burnley. Coventry are strengthening quickly after promotion, with Arsenal awaiting them in their opening league match.

England Beat Norway to Reach Semis

England, Norway and Jude Bellingham
Saturday in Miami

England reached the World Cup semi-finals after beating Norway 2-1 in extra time. Andreas Schjelderup put Norway ahead, but Jude Bellingham equalised before scoring again after Orjan Nyland spilled Morgan Rogers’ shot.

Norway were furious after England’s first goal, claiming the ball struck the overhead camera wire before the move continued. FIFA said connected-ball data showed no contact, while England now face Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta.

Antonio Rattin Dies Aged 89

Antonio Rattin, Boca Juniors and Argentina
Saturday

Argentina great Antonio Rattin has died aged 89, with Boca Juniors confirming the passing of one of their historic midfield icons. Rattin played at the 1962 and 1966 World Cups and spent his entire club career with Boca.

Rattin became globally known for his controversial 1966 World Cup dismissal against England, when language confusion helped inspire FIFA to introduce yellow and red cards in 1970. He later coached Boca briefly and entered politics.

Jimenez Set for Fiorentina Loan

Bournemouth, Fiorentina and Alex Jimenez
Saturday

Fiorentina have agreed a season-long loan deal for Bournemouth defender Alex Jimenez, including a €20m option to buy. The move allows the suspended Spain Under-21 international to continue playing while Bournemouth investigate social media allegations.

Bournemouth dropped Jimenez in May over what they called a serious matter linked to posts circulating online. He joined permanently from AC Milan in February on a long contract, but now appears set for a quick Serie A return.

Man City Complete Monga Signing

Manchester City, Leicester City and Jeremy Monga
Saturday

Manchester City have completed the signing of Leicester winger Jeremy Monga in a deal worth up to £10m. The 17-year-old chose City after Arsenal had held advanced talks and will be integrated into the senior setup.

City moved quickly under Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Monga at Leicester. The winger cited City’s development pathway and academy success as key reasons, while Leicester’s relegation increased pressure to sell valuable young talent.

Atletico Confirm Hjulmand Deal

Atletico Madrid, Sporting CP and Morten Hjulmand
Saturday

Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand in a €40m deal. The Denmark midfielder has signed until June 2031 after passing his medical and becomes Diego Simeone’s latest midfield addition.

Atletico chose Hjulmand after exploring several defensive midfield options, including Wolves’ Joao Gomes. The club praised his physical power, ball recovery and game intelligence, viewing him as a long-term anchor for Simeone’s evolving midfield structure.

Mane Retires From Senegal Duty

Sadio Mane and Senegal
After Senegal’s World Cup exit

Sadio Mane has announced his retirement from international football after Senegal’s World Cup exit. The 34-year-old ends a 14-year Lions of Teranga career with 130 caps and a legacy as one of African football’s defining modern stars.

Mane apologised to Senegal supporters for any disappointments and said he sacrificed everything for the national shirt. His farewell follows a limited World Cup impact after injury, but he plans to remain involved through coaching or technical roles.

Roma Target Ndoye After Greenwood Deal Fails

Roma, Nottingham Forest and Dan Ndoye
Saturday

Roma have turned to Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye after ending their pursuit of Mason Greenwood. The Serie A club refused to enter an expensive bidding war and now view the Switzerland international as their priority wide target.

Sporting director Tony D’Amico has intensified talks for Ndoye, whose valuation has reportedly softened after a mixed Forest spell despite strong World Cup displays. Roma believe his pace and Serie A experience suit Gian Piero Gasperini’s attacking system.

PSG Advance Ferran Torres Talks

Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Ferran Torres
Saturday

Paris Saint-Germain have opened advanced talks with Barcelona over Ferran Torres, with the Spain forward open to a summer move. Barcelona are prepared to sanction a sale as they seek fresh capital and squad flexibility.

Luis Enrique is driving PSG’s interest after working with Torres for Spain, while Barcelona’s financial pressure and new attacking arrivals threaten his place. The talks could give Barcelona room to fund other targets without waiting for further sales.