Raphinha Returns to Brazil Training

1 July 2026

Raphinha and Brazil
Tuesday

Brazil received a fitness boost as Raphinha returned to individual training ahead of their World Cup round-of-16 tie against Norway. The Barcelona winger has been recovering from a right thigh injury as squad concerns continue.

Raphinha trained separately while the rest of the squad had time off, continuing an intensive rehabilitation programme with Brazil’s medical staff. His return gives Carlo Ancelotti another attacking option if his recovery progresses before a decisive knockout test.

Bielsa Bids Painful Uruguay Goodbye

1 July 2026

Marcelo Bielsa and Uruguay
After Uruguay’s World Cup group-stage exit

Marcelo Bielsa has delivered a 100-minute farewell press conference after Uruguay’s shock World Cup exit, describing the goodbye as painful and questioning whether his ideas had any lasting impact on the national team after three years.

Bielsa arrived with data to defend Uruguay’s performances but admitted frustration that nobody seemed interested in what he tried to transmit. His departure follows a disappointing early exit for a strong squad and a poor tournament finish.

Liverpool Complete £60m Jacquet Signing

1 July 2026

Liverpool and Jeremy Jacquet
Wednesday

Liverpool have officially completed the signing of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet in a deal worth up to £60m. The 20-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Anfield with an option for another year after a long pursuit.

The agreement had been lined up in January, but Liverpool confirmed all formalities are now complete. Jacquet arrives as one of Europe’s most highly rated young defenders after a long pursuit and heavy competition from other clubs.

Chelsea Complete £47m Palestra Signing

1 July 2026

Chelsea and Marco Palestra
Wednesday

Chelsea have completed the signing of Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra for about £47m including add-ons. The 21-year-old has signed a six-year contract with an option for another year at Stamford Bridge after leaving Italy following a rapid push.

Chelsea moved ahead of Inter Milan’s agreement by offering a stronger package and quicker deal. Palestra becomes the first arrival since Xabi Alonso’s appointment, with the club now prioritising a centre-back and further squad changes.

Hull Avoid Points Deduction With Late Sales

1 July 2026

Hull City, Ivor Pandur and Aidon Shehu
Before the 30 June accounting deadline

Hull City avoided the threat of a Premier League points deduction by selling goalkeeper Ivor Pandur to Rangers and midfielder Aidon Shehu to Panathinaikos before the profit and sustainability deadline closed after promotion created a financial squeeze.

The sales generated about £7m in profit, clearing a PSR overspend of roughly £6m. Hull had faced up to a six-point deduction despite earning promotion through the Championship play-off final in May and can now trade.

Norway Reach Last 16 With Haaland Winner

1 July 2026

Norway, Ivory Coast, Erling Haaland and Antonio Nusa.
Norway’s World Cup round-of-32 tie in Dallas.

Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 to reach the World Cup last 16, earning their first knockout victory in tournament history. Antonio Nusa opened the scoring, Amad Diallo levelled, before Erling Haaland struck the late winner.

Ivory Coast created danger and briefly looked capable of forcing extra time, but Norway survived and punished them through Haaland’s timing. The win sets up a blockbuster last-16 tie against Brazil and deepens Haaland’s World Cup impact.

France Cruise Past Sweden as Mbappe Sets Record

1 July 2026

France, Sweden and Kylian Mbappe.
France’s World Cup round-of-32 tie in New York New Jersey.

France beat Sweden 3-0 to reach the World Cup last 16, with Kylian Mbappe becoming the leading scorer in knockout-stage World Cup history. The tournament favourites have now won all four matches and scored 13 goals.

Mbappe led another dominant attacking display, while France’s wider forward line kept Sweden under pressure throughout. The result strengthens their status as favourites, especially with Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise all in dangerous form.

Brighton Sign Pascal Struijk From Leeds

1 July 2026

Brighton, Leeds United and Pascal Struijk.
During Brighton’s summer defensive rebuild.

Brighton have signed Pascal Struijk from Leeds for an undisclosed fee understood to be around £20m. The 26-year-old centre-back has signed a five-year contract after making 196 appearances for the Elland Road club across seven seasons.

Brighton needed defensive reinforcement after selling Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham for £52m. Fabian Hurzeler praised Struijk’s Premier League experience, ball-playing ability and leadership, seeing him as a strong fit for Brighton’s style.

Milan Sign Ramos in Club-Record Deal

1 July 2026

AC Milan, Goncalo Ramos, Paris Saint-Germain and Ruben Amorim.
During Milan’s first transfer window under Amorim.

AC Milan have signed Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos from PSG for a reported club-record fee of more than €70m. The 25-year-old becomes Amorim’s first signing and joins on a contract running until 2031 after leaving Paris.

Milan are trying to reset after missing out on Champions League football, while PSG create room for more high-profile additions. Ramos brings a proven scoring record, but must now become the central striker in Amorim’s rebuild at San Siro.

Tottenham Agree Record Fernandes Deal

1 July 2026

Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, Mateus Fernandes and Manchester United.
During Tottenham’s summer rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi.

Tottenham have agreed an £85m deal to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, beating Manchester United to the Portugal midfielder. The fee would become Spurs’ club record and continues their aggressive summer recruitment push under Roberto De Zerbi.

West Ham held firm on their valuation despite relegation, while United refused to match Tottenham’s package. Fernandes is expected to undergo a medical shortly, giving De Zerbi a major midfield signing after Spurs missed out on Sandro Tonali.