FOOTBALL

Hogh Hat-Trick Powers Celtic Past Kilmarnock

Celtic, Kilmarnock and Kasper Hogh
Saturday

Celtic thrashed Kilmarnock 5-1 as record summer signing Kasper Hogh scored his first goals for the club with a first-half hat-trick. The £11m striker completed his treble within little more than half an hour at Rugby Park.

Hogh opened the scoring after 64 seconds, added a low finish and completed the hat-trick with a diving header. It was Celtic’s first league hat-trick by a forward since James Forrest against Hibernian in October 2022.

Tebas Calls For End Of Infantino Era

Javier Tebas, Gianni Infantino and FIFA
Sunday

La Liga president Javier Tebas has publicly called for Gianni Infantino’s era as FIFA president to end, accusing his leadership of damaging domestic leagues and the wider football ecosystem. Tebas also argued that FIFA requires broader structural reform.

The intervention adds another influential voice to mounting opposition after Norway called for Infantino’s resignation and UEFA maintained its boycott threat. Tebas said replacing one individual would be insufficient unless FIFA also changes its governance culture and decision-making system.

Hibernian Beat Rangers 2-1 At Ibrox

Hibernian, Rangers and Derek McInnes
Sunday

Hibernian defeated Rangers 2-1 at Ibrox, extending Derek McInnes’ winless start to three matches in all competitions. Rangers again conceded first and remain without a victory after league and Europa League fixtures under their new manager.

Hibernian took control after Vanja Dragojevic conceded a penalty, while Rangers struggled to create despite using two strikers. The defeat increases pressure before Thursday’s Europa League qualifier against Jagiellonia Bialystok, with defensive inconsistency already becoming a major concern.

Samu Costa Deal Exhausts Al-Nassr Recruitment Budget

Al-Nassr, Mallorca and Samu Costa
Monday

Al-Nassr have officially completed the signing of Portugal midfielder Samu Costa from Mallorca after receiving the required financial approvals. The deal was funded through the Saudi recruitment programme rather than directly from the club’s own summer transfer budget.

Reports in the uploaded article say Costa’s signing consumed Al-Nassr’s entire allocation from the recruitment programme. The club now faces a funding problem if it wants further reinforcements, despite remaining squad gaps following Marcelo Brozovic’s departure.

West Ham Bid €17.5m For Troy Parrott

West Ham United, AZ Alkmaar and Troy Parrott
Sunday

West Ham have submitted an offer of around €17.5m for AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott. The Dutch club are reportedly seeking approximately €30m, leaving a significant valuation gap for the Republic of Ireland international striker.

West Ham could increase their proposal beyond €20m, while Porto are also monitoring the striker but have not made an official bid. Parrott has already told AZ he wants to leave while promising to remain fully committed until a transfer is agreed.

Hearts Accept Bid For Alexandros Kyziridis

Hearts and Alexandros Kyziridis
Sunday

Hearts have accepted a bid for Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis, with head coach Wouter Vrancken confirming the 25-year-old is set to move to Turkey. The transfer is reportedly worth seven figures after Hearts originally signed him on a free.

Kyziridis contributed four league goals and seven assists last season but his form declined after January. Hearts already have several attacking options in the squad, allowing the club to generate a significant return while continuing its player-trading model.

Como Complete £30m Trevoh Chalobah Signing

Como, Chelsea and Trevoh Chalobah
Sunday

Como have completed the signing of England defender Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea in a deal worth more than £30m. The 27-year-old has agreed a five-year contract after nearly two decades at Chelsea, where he progressed through the academy.

Chelsea will receive £25.7m upfront with another £5.1m available through add-ons. Chalobah joins a Como side preparing for Champions League football after finishing fourth in Serie A and gives Cesc Fabregas an experienced, versatile centre-back.

Malcom Nears Al-Diriyah Loan From Al-Hilal

Al-Hilal, Al-Diriyah and Malcom
Sunday

Al-Hilal and Al-Diriyah have reportedly reached an agreement for Brazilian winger Malcom to move on loan until the end of the season. The player has chosen to remain in Riyadh rather than accept a competing opportunity with Al-Sadd.

Malcom had been excluded from Al-Hilal’s plans as the club reshaped its foreign-player group. A loan to newly promoted Al-Diriyah allows him to stay in the Saudi Pro League while giving Al-Hilal greater flexibility within its squad.

Wydad Near Achraf Dari Return From Al-Ahly

Wydad, Al-Ahly and Achraf Dari
Sunday

Wydad are closing in on bringing Morocco defender Achraf Dari back to the club as he works toward terminating his Al-Ahly contract. Both the player and Wydad want the move, with only final details reportedly remaining before an agreement.

Dari came through Wydad’s system before moving abroad and later joining Al-Ahly, where his spell has not met expectations. Returning would give Wydad an experienced international defender already familiar with the club as they strengthen for domestic and continental competition.

PSG Complete £8.5m Lucas Digne Signing

Paris Saint-Germain, Aston Villa and Lucas Digne
Sunday

Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of France left-back Lucas Digne from Aston Villa after activating an £8.5m release clause. The 33-year-old has signed a three-year contract and returns to Paris more than a decade after his first spell.

Digne will provide experienced competition for Nuno Mendes after spending eight years in England. His departure is another significant Aston Villa exit this summer, while PSG add a proven international defender to a squad that has won consecutive Champions League titles.