Santos football executive director Alexandre Mattos insisted that leaving Neymar out of their 3-0 Copa do Brasil defeat to Palmeiras was purely tactical. The veteran forward was omitted from the matchday team sheet, sparking debate surrounding his physical condition and the venue's synthetic surface.
For some football fans, the summer is the part of the calendar that they look forward to the most - and that's not just because it's filled by a World Cup every four years! Rather, it's because the end of the season means only one thing: It's time for transfers! The 2026 window is once again proving to be busy, with some huge names making big-money moves before deadline day on September 1.
David Raya has sent a clear message to Arsenal's rivals by declaring the club's intent to build a long-lasting dynasty at the top of European football. Following their historic first Premier League title in over two decades, the Spanish goalkeeper insists the Gunners are now hungry for even greater silverware.
Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes targeted silverware after coming off the bench to score twice in a 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over West Bromwich Albion. The triumph marked a first competitive win for new manager Matthias Jaissle at St James' Park, with Barnes striking late to send the Magpies into the third round.
Matteo Guendouzi found himself at the centre of a violent post-match brawl following Fenerbahce's crucial Champions League play-off victory against Lyon. The former Arsenal midfielder repeatedly taunted the French crowd, ultimately provoking a shocking physical altercation with a furious Lyon staff member near the tunnel.
Barcelona supporters are eagerly awaiting the first glimpse of marquee summer signing Rodri in Blaugrana colours. The former Manchester City midfield general arrived with massive expectations, and head coach Hansi Flick has now provided a definitive update on when he will step onto the Spotify Camp Nou pitch.
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has delivered a frustrating double injury update ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup encounter with Luton Town. The Blues will be forced to cope without key midfielder Moises Caicedo and summer signing Marco Palestra as they look to build on their winning start to the campaign.
Kylian Mbappe scored a brilliant hat-trick to help Real Madrid secure a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in La Liga. The emphatic win marked a successful Bernabeu return for new manager Jose Mourinho, who praised his star forward's incredible hunger and relentless work ethic following a brief first-half scare.
Barcelona have officially abandoned plans to honour their eight Spanish World Cup winners ahead of Thursday's La Liga fixture against Athletic Club. The decision follows recent clashes between supporters and national police, prompting the Catalan club to scrap the pre-match ceremony at Camp Nou amid rising political tensions.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has claimed the prestigious PFA Men's Player of the Year award following a record-breaking 2025-26 campaign. Despite taking home the top individual honour, the Portuguese playmaker admitted he cast his own ballot for a rival from Arsenal. Fernandes praised the Gunners for their Premier League-winning season and impressive run to the Champions League final.
The Carabao Cup third-round draw has set up a massive all-Premier League clash, with Liverpool preparing to host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. The draw also revealed several other exciting potential top-flight encounters, as Manchester United face Brighton, while Arsenal travel to Ipswich Town in a highly anticipated and busy week of domestic cup action across England.
Tottenham Hotspur secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, bouncing back from their opening Premier League defeat. New signing Savio made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut. Meanwhile, Everton and Newcastle United also navigated their second-round ties successfully to join Roberto De Zerbi's side in the third-round draw.
Newcastle United narrowly avoided a major Carabao Cup upset on Wednesday night as Harvey Barnes emerged from the bench to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Championship side West Bromwich Albion. On an evening that began with the high-profile unveiling of marquee signing Nico Gonzalez, the Magpies were forced to dig deep to ensure their place in the third round.
Kylian Mbappé delivered an absolute masterclass by scoring a brilliant hat-trick to guide Real Madrid to a dominant 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad. The French forward was perfectly supported by Jude Bellingham, who provided two crucial assists. Meanwhile, Vinícius Júnior added a goal of his own before sharing a heartwarming celebration with manager José Mourinho at the Bernabéu.
Aston Villa are prepared to sanction the departure of talismanic striker Ollie Watkins as a massive move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal nears completion. The England international has been the subject of intense speculation throughout the summer and is now expected to travel for a medical in the coming days.
Liverpool have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola. PSG have reportedly lowered their asking price, giving Liverpool renewed confidence that a deal can be struck before the transfer window closes. Negotiations are progressing rapidly right now as the deadline approaches for both clubs.
Aston Villa have made a major statement in the transfer market by reaching an agreement with Chelsea for the permanent signing of Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal international is now set for a move to the West Midlands as Unai Emery secures one of his primary target attackers, reuniting with the forward he previously coached at Villarreal.
Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of securing a major summer transfer for Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, with negotiations advancing rapidly towards a lucrative agreement. The highly-rated Italy youth international is expected to become the latest promising talent to arrive at Stamford Bridge, as the London club continue their aggressive recruitment strategy to build for the future.
Newcastle United have confirmed the arrival of Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez from Manchester City, providing a significant boost to Matthias Jaissle's squad. The deal sees the 24-year-old move to St James' Park as the Magpies look to rebuild their midfield following several high-profile departures earlier this summer.
UEFA is prepared to formally withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA competitions following a period of intense friction between the two governing bodies. The decision comes after European leaders received firm assurances that Gianni Infantino's controversial and now-failed plan to sell off World Cup rights to private investors will not be resurrected.
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has admitted it is difficult for Ismaila Sarr to ignore strong transfer interest from Liverpool. Despite recent bids and the forward missing training, the boss expects the player to stay at Selhurst Park, clarifying that a groin injury is the real reason behind his current absence rather than an attempt to force a late summer departure.
Crystal Palace have launched a dramatic late move to hijack Aston Villa's pursuit of Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez. The Eagles are looking to bolster their backline following a series of departures and injuries that have left Pierre Sage short of options in the heart of his defence.
Manchester United have been forced to make an immediate change to their shirts after accidentally breaking Premier League kit regulations during their opening weekend defeat to Hull City. The players took to the pitch missing a mandatory sleeve badge, a significant error that the club must now rectify to ensure full compliance before their next match.
Manchester United have reportedly launched an ambitious late move to sign Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga before the transfer window slams shut. The Red Devils are said to be preparing a £43 million opening offer for the French international as Michael Carrick looks to add elite quality to his engine room.
Sunderland have emerged as shock contenders to land Jack Grealish after submitting a loan proposal to Manchester City for the England international. The Black Cats are looking to pull off a statement signing as they prepare for a demanding campaign that includes a return to European competition.
Former Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth Argyle midfielder Akos Buzsaky has been reported missing in his native Hungary, prompting his former English clubs to express their deep concern. Police are currently searching for the retired footballer, who has not been seen for over a week, as the football community unites in hoping for his safe and immediate return.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso expects Enzo Fernandez to play in the Carabao Cup on Thursday, despite intense speculation linking Fernandez with a late summer transfer to Manchester City. Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly extremely keen to bring Fernandez to the Etihad Stadium before the transfer window officially closes later this week.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has publicly confirmed that the Catalan giants remain firmly in the hunt for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. Despite heavy competition from the Premier League and tension between the two Spanish clubs, the Blaugrana are refusing to give up on their primary attacking target.
Liverpool have officially shifted their focus in the transfer market, launching a massive bid for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr. The move comes after the club decided to walk away completely from negotiations for Brighton forward Yankuba Minteh, leaving Andoni Iraola desperate to secure attacking reinforcements before the summer transfer deadline.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
