FOOTBALL

Celtic Reach Haitham Hassan Transfer Agreement

Celtic, Real Oviedo and Haitham Hassan
Thursday

Celtic have reportedly reached a complete agreement to sign Egypt winger Haitham Hassan from Real Oviedo on a four-year contract. The clubs are still finalising bonus terms, with the overall fee expected between €6m and €7m.

Hassan accepted Celtic’s offer after attracting wider interest following his World Cup performances. The proposed contract includes additional payments to both the player and Oviedo if Celtic successfully qualify for the Champions League league phase.

Diego Forlan Appointed Uruguay National Team Coach

Diego Forlan and the Uruguayan Football Association
Thursday

Uruguay have appointed former striker Diego Forlan as head coach of both the senior national team and the Under-20 side. He replaces Marcelo Bielsa, who departed after Uruguay’s disappointing group-stage elimination at the 2026 World Cup.

The federation described Forlan’s arrival as the beginning of a new era built around identity and development. The 47-year-old brings legendary playing status but limited managerial experience from short domestic spells with Penarol and Atenas.

Scottish FA Scraps Independent Refereeing Review Panel

The Scottish Football Association and Premiership clubs
Thursday

The Scottish FA has abolished the independent key match incident panel that reviewed major Premiership refereeing decisions each week. The voluntary three-person group had operated since 2024 to provide greater public transparency around controversial calls.

Dundee United and other clubs withdrew amid concerns about the panel’s effectiveness and influence. Refereeing chief Willie Collum will continue publishing monthly video reviews and meeting captains and managers, replacing the weekly independent verdict system.

PSG Agree €50m Deal For Monaco Star Akliouche

Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco and Maghnes Akliouche
Thursday

Paris Saint-Germain have agreed an improved €50m fee with Monaco for France winger Maghnes Akliouche. The 24-year-old travelled to Paris for a medical and is expected to sign a long-term contract running until June 2031.

Monaco rejected PSG’s opening €45m proposal before accepting the improved offer. Akliouche is being added to Luis Enrique’s attacking rotation this summer and could help cover Bradley Barcola’s possible departure amid strong transfer interest from Liverpool.

Uganda Captain David Owori Dies After Robbery Attack

David Owori, SC Villa and Uganda’s national team
Wednesday

SC Villa captain and Uganda international David Owori has died aged 27 after being attacked by suspected robbers near his Kampala home. Police said he was beaten while resisting the theft of his phone and belongings.

Witnesses reported that attackers struck Owori with paving stones before fleeing. He died after being transferred between medical facilities, while police preserved evidence and pursued leads as clubs, officials, supporters and national-team colleagues demanded justice.

Racing Demand €16m After Barcelona Salinas Bid

Racing Santander, Barcelona and Jorge Salinas
Thursday

Racing Santander have told Barcelona they must pay Jorge Salinas’ full €16m release clause after receiving a proposal near €6m during negotiations. The 19-year-old defender is a Barcelona target because he can play left-back or centre-back.

Sporting director Chema Aragon said Racing want to strengthen rather than lose important academy players and will not negotiate a discounted price. Barcelona therefore face a €10m valuation gap unless they increase their offer or activate the clause.

Milan Reject Galatasaray’s €35m Rafael Leao Bid

AC Milan, Galatasaray and Rafael Leao
Thursday

AC Milan have rejected Galatasaray’s first official €35m bid for Portugal winger Rafael Leao during summer transfer talks. The Turkish champions proposed a permanent transfer, but Milan value the 27-year-old at approximately €50m and refused the opening offer.

Galatasaray are expected to return with an improved proposal near €40m after receiving encouragement from Leao. The forward previously rejected Fenerbahce because of concerns about their project, leaving Galatasaray as the only active bidder described in the report.

Rodri Talks Stall As Barcelona Challenge Real Madrid

Rodri, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona
Thursday

Real Madrid’s talks to sign Rodri have stalled over personal terms and the clubs’ differing valuations. Barcelona are monitoring the situation and could enter the race, while the Manchester City midfielder remains interested in returning to Spain this summer.

Madrid are considering one final attempt after Rodri expressed concerns about their offer and Jose Mourinho’s initial doubts. City want between €65m and €75m, while Barcelona have made no formal bid and still prioritise a centre-forward.

Spain Claims Right To Host 2030 World Cup Final

Spain’s sports minister, FIFA, Portugal and Morocco
Thursday

Spanish sports minister Milagros Tolon said Spain deserves to stage the 2030 World Cup final rather than co-host Morocco. FIFA has not selected the venue and denied reports that Gianni Infantino had already offered the match to Morocco.

Tolon cited Spain’s tournament experience, transport network, security and status as reigning men’s and women’s world champions. Spain will continue discussions with FIFA in September, while Morocco is promoting a planned 115,000-seat stadium near Casablanca.

Gabby George Completes Brighton Move From United

Brighton, Manchester United Women and Gabby George
Thursday

Brighton have completed the signing of versatile defender Gabby George from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee believed to be six figures. The 29-year-old leaves after three seasons and more than 50 appearances for United.

George wanted more regular playing time and joins a Brighton squad already strengthened by Lia Walti and Emilie Joramo. Manager Dario Vidosic highlighted her defensive versatility, technical quality, leadership and extensive Women’s Super League experience.