Sport Updates
Same-day match highlights, records, team news and results from across the sports you follow.
Khephren Thuram Undergoes Successful Knee Surgery, Faces Months on Sidelines
Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram has successfully undergone knee surgery in Lyon, with the club confirming he will be sidelined for several months as he battles a persistent cartilage issue. Thuram underwent a chondroplasty procedure to treat chondropathy of the patella in his right knee, performed by Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet at the Hopital Prive Jean Mermoz, with Juventus describing the operation as "a complete success." He begins his rehabilitation programme immediately, with Italian media reporting a return is targeted for early 2027, at least four months away. The 25-year-old had not featured in any of Juventus' pre-season friendlies and was left off the club's UEFA squad list for the Europa League league phase, having struggled with the knee issue since the end of last season. Juventus also confirmed a separate fresh injury to defender Juan Cabal , who has sustained a mild strain to his left thigh's semimembranosus muscle. To cover Thuram's extended absence, the club moved to sign Pape Matar Sarr on loan from Tottenham on transfer deadline day, with an option to make the move permanent. Thuram, the son of former France defender Lilian Thuram and brother of Inter Milan's Marcus, has scored six goals in 70 Serie A appearances since joining from Nice in 2024.
Vivianne Miedema Could Miss Remainder of 2026 With Fresh Knee Injury
Manchester City forward Vivianne Miedema faces an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a fresh knee injury in training, casting doubt over her availability for the rest of 2026. The club confirmed the Dutch international "sustained a knee injury and will miss the start of the Barclays Women's Super League season," stressing the issue is separate from the recurring knee problems that have plagued her since an ACL rupture back in December 2022. While not an ACL tear, the injury is understood to be serious enough that City fear she may not feature again before the New Year. Miedema was a key figure in City's 2025-26 double-winning campaign, contributing 19 goal involvements in 25 appearances , and had returned for pre-season aiming for a fully fit year after undergoing knee surgery over the summer. Her absence leaves Gareth Taylor's side light in attack just as the newly expanded 14-team WSL season gets under way, with the club now exploring reinforcements including Jennifer Echegini and Ornella Vignola. The Netherlands international, the WSL and her country's record scorer, has endured a torrid run of injuries in recent seasons, having previously spoken out about the toll of the packed women's football calendar on player welfare.
Marcos Llorente Retires From Spain Duty Weeks After World Cup Triumph
Marcos Llorente has announced his retirement from international football with Spain , just weeks after helping the national team lift the 2026 World Cup, in a decision that caught supporters and teammates by surprise. "After spending a lot of time thinking it over, I have decided to close my chapter with the National Team," the 31-year-old Atletico Madrid star wrote in an emotional Instagram post. "I know that many of you won't understand it, and, surely, I wouldn't have understood it either from the outside. But it is a personal decision, deeply considered and, above all, deeply felt." He was clear the decision predated the tournament, adding: "Regardless of whether I had gone to the World Cup or not, or whether we had won or not, I had already made this decision." Llorente made his Spain debut in November 2020 and finishes with 27 caps , having featured at Euro 2021, the 2022 World Cup and this summer's triumphant 2026 campaign, where he backed up Pedro Porro at right-back. He started two group games but played just six minutes across the rest of the knockout rounds, though he insisted his limited World Cup involvement did not influence the decision. The Atletico Madrid star continues his club career, where his honours include two Champions League titles and a La Liga crown, having previously played for city rivals Real Madrid before switching sides in 2019.
Aubameyang Retires From Gabon Duty, Citing "Humiliation" Over AFCON Fallout
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced his retirement from international football with Gabon , saying he felt "humiliated" by the treatment he received from the country's government following a disappointing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign. "They humiliated and smeared me even though I played at the AFCON while injured. This is the last straw, and I'd rather stop here," the 37-year-old said in a television interview. Gabon crashed out of the tournament in the group stage after three straight defeats, prompting the government to fire the coaching staff, suspend the squad, and single out Aubameyang and veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga for exclusion, despite both later being reinstated. Aubameyang leaves as Gabon's all-time leading scorer , with 40 international goals and more than 80 caps across six AFCON tournaments. New head coach Sebastien Migne must now prepare for AFCON qualifiers against Morocco, Niger and Lesotho without his country's most decorated forward. The announcement comes in the same week as retirements from Lionel Messi, Antonio Rudiger and Marcos Llorente, capping an unusually eventful few days for international football farewells. Aubameyang will continue his club career with Deportivo La Coruna , whom he joined from Marseille in July.
Tottenham Axe Richarlison From Premier League Squad Amid Trabzonspor Pursuit
Tottenham have omitted Richarlison from their 25-man Premier League squad for the season, with head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirming the Brazilian had "asked too many times to leave" the club. The decision follows a collapsed deadline-day move that would have seen Richarlison return to former club Everton as part of a swap involving Iliman Ndiaye heading to Tottenham. When Richarlison rejected the personal terms on offer, the deal fell through entirely, with Ndiaye instead joining Manchester City. Richarlison responded with a fiery Instagram statement declaring "never again will anyone decide my future for me." With the Premier League window shut, his most realistic exit route now runs through Turkey, where Trabzonspor are pushing hard to complete a deal before their transfer deadline on September 4. Reports suggest Richarlison has already agreed personal terms on a contract that would roughly triple his current wages, though Tottenham had rejected opening bids of £15m and £20m and are believed to be holding out for closer to their £35m valuation. The 29-year-old finished as Tottenham's top Premier League scorer last season with 11 goals despite the club narrowly avoiding relegation, and leaves the club without a recognised senior option beyond Dominic Solanke and loan signing Omar Marmoush.
Gabriel Martinelli Completes Arsenal-Record £60m Move to Al-Hilal
Gabriel Martinelli has completed his move from Arsenal to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for a guaranteed £60 million , becoming a record outgoing transfer for the north London club. The fee, which also includes a sell-on clause, surpasses the £40m Arsenal received for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's move to Liverpool in 2017. Martinelli has signed a four-year contract with Al-Hilal, who sit top of the Saudi Pro League with a perfect record after four games. "Proud to be blue, proud to be Al-Hilal," the Brazilian said following his unveiling. The 25-year-old leaves after seven years in north London, having joined as an 18-year-old from Ituano in 2019 and gone on to score 62 goals in 278 appearances , winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Community Shield along the way. He was left out of Arsenal's opening two matchday squads this season after being informed his opportunities would be limited, a decision that drew criticism from club legend Ian Wright, who said the treatment "made me feel uncomfortable." Martinelli becomes the third former Premier League player to join Al-Hilal during the Saudi window, following Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa and Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, with Arsenal's summer player sales now exceeding £120m.
Bradley Barcola Available and in Line for Liverpool Debut Against Ipswich
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has confirmed Bradley Barcola is available and in line to make his debut against Ipswich Town on Friday night, just days after completing his £123 million move from Paris Saint-Germain. "We are very happy with Bradley. It was our priority, let's say, to sign a very, very good player in that position," Iraola said in his pre-match press conference. "I've liked from him that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He just wanted to come here and I think that's a good first sign." Asked whether the France international is ready to start, Iraola added: "I see him in a good place. He has trained with us in three trainings. It's true that he hasn't had minutes in pre-season, but he has been training normal with the group." Barcola has not featured competitively since France's World Cup third-place playoff against England on July 18, having been frozen out of PSG's matchday squads following his push for a move. That lack of match sharpness will factor into whether he starts or is introduced from the bench, with Iraola confirming he can operate on either flank, though he began his career playing predominantly on the right at Lyon. His potential involvement comes with Liverpool still searching for a first league win of the season, and Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni all remaining sidelined through injury.
Expanded 14-Team Women's Super League Kicks Off, Man City Begin Title Defence
The Women's Super League kicks off its 2026-27 season this weekend in its newly expanded 14-team format , with defending champions Manchester City looking to build on a domestic double that ended Chelsea's six-year stranglehold on the title. The league has grown from 12 to 14 clubs for the first time, with Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic all securing promotion from WSL 2. Under a revamped format, the top three finishers now qualify directly for the Champions League, the bottom club is relegated outright, and the 13th-placed side faces a play-off against the WSL 2 runner-up. London City Lionesses , who signed two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas over the summer, open the campaign on Friday, September 4 hosting Manchester United, live on Sky Sports. Manchester City begin their title defence at home to newcomers Birmingham City on Sunday, part of a bumper five-match slate that also sees last season's runners-up Arsenal travel to Brighton, Tottenham host West Ham in a London derby, and both promoted sides Charlton and Crystal Palace welcome Liverpool and Everton respectively. Eight-time champions Chelsea host Aston Villa on Saturday as they look to reclaim top spot after being dethroned last season. Notably, Manchester City will not compete in the League Cup this season for the first time since 2014, owing to format changes and their Champions League commitments, as the club balances a heavier fixture list in pursuit of a domestic and European double.
Camilo Duran Stars Again as Celtic Beat Aberdeen 3-0 to Stay Perfect
Celtic continued their perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season with a comfortable 3-0 win over Aberdeen at Parkhead, with Camilo Duran once again the standout performer. Duran opened the scoring in the 14th minute with another spectacular strike, collecting a Benjamin Nygren pass before thumping a 20-yard drive in off the crossbar. Benjamin Nygren doubled the lead in the 34th minute, converting after Haissem Hassan's cross deflected into his path off an Aberdeen defender, and Hyun-jun Yang added a third before the break, driving home left-footed after Duran squared the ball across goal. Aberdeen's best chance came when Gavin Molloy headed a corner against the bar moments before Celtic's third goal, prompting manager Stephen Robinson to make four changes at halftime. The result takes Duran's tally to six goals in five matches since his summer move from Qarabag, continuing a remarkable start to life in Scotland for the Colombian forward. "Camilo set the tone for us, I think perhaps maybe all season he's done that. He's a really class player," said manager Martin O'Neill, who may find it difficult to accommodate top scorer Kasper Hogh out wide once he recovers from a thigh injury given Duran's central form. Celtic sit two points clear of second-placed St Mirren at the top of the table after four wins from four to open the campaign.
Hull City Condemn Racist Abuse Aimed at New Signing Robinio Vaz
Hull City have condemned "abhorrent" racist abuse directed at new signing Robinio Vaz after the club's social media post announcing his loan arrival was flooded with discriminatory messages, forcing the post to be deleted. The 19-year-old French striker joined Hull on a season-long loan from Roma on deadline day. "No individual should ever experience discriminatory abuse, and the club will provide Robinio with our full support," Hull said in a statement. "Hull City has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of discrimination, and in the last 24 hours we have been in communication with the Premier League, anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out and the relevant social media companies." The club confirmed it is working with Humberside Police and other relevant authorities "to identify the accounts responsible for this disgusting abuse, so that appropriate action can be taken against those individuals," and encouraged supporters to continue reporting any discrimination they encounter. The incident comes at an otherwise positive time for the newly promoted club, who have won both their opening Premier League matches and host Aston Villa this weekend, with Vaz set to add attacking depth to Sergej Jakirovic's squad.
Liverpool Seek First League Win of the Season at Ipswich After Consecutive 2-2 Draws
Liverpool travel to newly promoted Ipswich Town on Friday, September 4, still searching for their first Premier League win of the season after opening with back-to-back 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. Andoni Iraola's side sit 13th on two points, with title rivals Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea already building a four-point cushion after just two rounds. Liverpool have trailed in both games so far this season but fought back each time, with a Dominik Szoboszlai injury-time equaliser at Newcastle and a late Victor Munoz strike salvaging draws, though the Reds are yet to keep a clean sheet under their new manager and have conceded 3.88 xG through two matches. New signing Bradley Barcola is available for the trip, though Liverpool remain without Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Joe Gomez, Jayden Danns and Giovanni Leoni, with Federico Chiesa a doubt through a back issue. Ipswich head into the match having taken three points from their first two games, beating Sunderland 2-1 on the opening day before being thumped 5-2 at home by Manchester United, with Bruno Fernandes scoring a hat-trick. New boss Gary O'Neil, formerly of Liverpool's academy set-up, has seen his side score in every competitive fixture so far this season, with Julio Enciso in particularly bright early-season form, and Ipswich have already spent over £200 million rebuilding their squad this summer. The two sides have met only twice in the last 15 years, with Liverpool winning both, including a 4-1 victory in their most recent meeting.
Edin Dzeko Announces International Retirement, Bosnia's Record Scorer to Bow Out Against Sweden
Edin Dzeko has announced his retirement from international football, revealing that Bosnia and Herzegovina's Nations League match against Sweden on October 2 will be his final appearance for his country. The 40-year-old Schalke forward confirmed the news in an emotional Instagram post. "Sometimes I found myself wondering when this moment would come... but I never imagined how emotional I would feel writing these words," he wrote. "Nothing in my career has ever compared to the pride I have felt every single time I wore that shirt. Nothing." Dzeko retires as Bosnia's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer , with 151 caps and 73 goals since his debut against Turkey in 2007. He helped guide Bosnia to their first-ever World Cup in 2014 and their run to the last 32 at this year's tournament in North America. "I feel that the time has come to step aside now," he said. "If I was able to stay in the national team until the age of 40, it is because I truly gave everything I had. Every time. My all." The announcement comes just a day after Argentina great Lionel Messi confirmed his own international retirement, marking a striking week for farewells at the top of the international game. Dzeko will continue playing club football for Schalke in the Bundesliga.
Joe Willock's Besiktas Move Still Alive Ahead of Turkey's September 3 Deadline
Joe Willock could still leave Newcastle for Besiktas before the transfer saga finally closes, with Turkey's delayed deadline giving the Super Lig side until September 3 to complete a deal despite the Premier League window having already shut. Willock has reportedly agreed personal terms with Besiktas on a contract through 2030, and the Turkish club has offered around €20 million (£17m) to try to prise him away from St James' Park, a figure that matches Newcastle's long-stated valuation after Besiktas' earlier offers fell well short. However, the picture has shifted since new head coach Matthias Jaissle took charge, with Willock scoring on his return to first-team involvement in the 2-2 opening-day draw with Liverpool and starting the following match. Sky Sports has reported that Jaissle sees Willock as a genuine option in the number 10 role and supported Newcastle's decision to knock back Besiktas' interest, while the Daily Mail's Craig Hope has suggested Willock is now more likely to stay and could even be offered a new contract extension, with his current deal set to expire next summer. Besiktas retain a brief final window to change Newcastle's mind before Thursday's deadline, but the Magpies' stance appears to have hardened considerably since Jaissle's arrival.
Celtic Sign Chelsea Youngster Landon Emenalo on Season-Long Loan
Celtic have completed the signing of 18-year-old Landon Emenalo on a season-long loan from Chelsea, adding cover in defence and midfield as Martin O'Neill continues to reshape his squad. "Celtic's latest addition of the summer transfer window is Landon Emenalo, who joins the Hoops on a season-long loan from English Premier League side Chelsea," the club confirmed. Emenalo, the son of former Chelsea and Monaco technical director Michael Emenalo, progressed through the Stamford Bridge academy and was included in Chelsea's senior squad for their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia under Xabi Alonso. Though regarded primarily as a midfielder or central defender, he impressed at left-back during pre-season, an area Celtic have been looking to strengthen with Kieran Tierney their only recognised senior option. Born in Arizona to an American mother, Emenalo has represented both England and the United States at youth level, currently featuring for England's U18s. His arrival at Parkhead follows a string of transfer activity that has also brought in Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur, as Celtic look to build depth ahead of a Champions League play-off tie against LASK.
Brighton Complete Club-Record Signing of Femi Azeez From Millwall
Brighton have completed the club-record signing of winger Femi Azeez from Millwall, with the Nigeria international putting pen to paper on a four-year deal after a deadline-day saga that ran past the transfer window's close. The move is worth an initial £12.5 million , with the overall package potentially rising beyond £15 million through add-ons, making it a club-record sale for Millwall, surpassing the £14m Crystal Palace paid for Romain Esse last summer. Because both clubs had submitted the required deal sheet before the 11pm deadline, the transfer was confirmed the following morning once paperwork was finalised. "Sorry to keep you waiting," Azeez told fans in a clip released by Brighton. The 25-year-old joins after a breakout campaign at Millwall, scoring 11 goals and adding seven assists in 37 Championship appearances last season, form that earned him a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Year and interest from Ipswich, Hull City and Crystal Palace before Brighton won the race. Sporting director Mike Cave called him "one of the most exciting attacking talents in the Championship," with Azeez set to add depth to Fabian Hurzeler's squad as they balance Premier League and Conference League commitments this season.
Wolfsburg and Frankfurt Stunned as Inter and PSG Complete Dramatic Comebacks in WCL Qualifying
The UEFA Women's Champions League third qualifying round produced two stunning upsets and confirmed two of the marquee sides as former winners Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt both crashed out on a dramatic night of second legs. Inter Milan pulled off the shock of the round, overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit to beat Wolfsburg 5-4 on penalties after the tie finished 3-3 on aggregate. Elisa Polli forced extra-time with a late equaliser, before Weronika Arasniewicz thought she had sent Wolfsburg through deep into stoppage time, only for Marija Ana Milinkovic to level again in the 121st minute. Wolfsburg's Mara Alber then missed the decisive spot-kick, with Ivana Andres converting to send Inter into their first-ever Champions League league phase. PSG also came from behind, hammering four goals in extra-time against a ten-player Frankfurt side to complete a 6-2 aggregate win, with Sakina Karchaoui scoring twice as Hayley Raso's second-half red card proved decisive. Elsewhere, Chelsea completed their passage with a professional 1-0 second-leg win at Real Sociedad through a Keira Walsh strike, sealing a 6-2 aggregate victory, while Real Madrid also progressed against Ajax to reach the league phase for the sixth consecutive year . All qualified sides now learn their league-phase opponents at Friday's draw in Nyon, Switzerland, ahead of the competition proper starting September 22.
Everton Fans Demand Answers After Chaotic Deadline Day and Collapsed Balogun Deal
Everton supporters have demanded answers after a chaotic end to the summer transfer window, with the club's Fans' Forum issuing a public statement criticising ownership and recruitment following the collapse of a deadline-day move for striker Folarin Balogun . Everton had agreed a £40m deal with Monaco for the USA international, but the move fell apart in dramatic fashion after concerns emerged during his medical, prompting a renegotiation of the deal's structure. Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro said Balogun was "not comfortable" with how he had been treated during the process, and the striker ultimately left Everton's Finch Farm training ground without signing, despite both clubs having signed the required deal sheet before Tuesday's 11pm deadline. Alternative moves for Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa's Tammy Abraham also failed to materialise. The collapse leaves David Moyes with only Thierno Barry as a recognised senior striker, after Nathan Patterson, Beto, Iliman Ndiaye and Tim Iroegbunam all departed within hours of each other on deadline day. Jack Grealish and Ainsley Maitland-Niles did arrive before the window closed, but that did little to calm supporters already angered by the club's handling of a proposed £40m sale of academy graduate Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest, which was blocked by the board following fan backlash. "We were told there was a clear strategy... yet, once again, Everton have found themselves scrambling in the final days and hours of a transfer window," the Fans' Forum said in an open letter, adding that supporters "deserve a clear explanation of what went wrong." The episode intensifies scrutiny on owners The Friedkin Group and chief executive Angus Kinnear heading into the new season.
Enzo Fernandez Opens Up on "Not Being in a Good Place" During Difficult Final Chelsea Period
Enzo Fernandez has revealed the emotional toll of his final months at Chelsea , admitting he had "not been in a good place" before completing his British record-equalling £125m move to Manchester City. "Dear Chelsea, I want you to know that these have not been easy days for me. Writing this is not easy either. The truth is, I haven't been in a good place," Fernandez wrote in an emotional Instagram statement addressed to supporters. "We suffered, we cried, I got angry many times, but we also celebrated titles and unforgettable victories. Together, through the good times and the difficult ones." The Argentina World Cup winner acknowledged the backlash his move to a Premier League rival would provoke among Chelsea's fanbase, appealing for understanding. "I live football the same way I live my life: with passion and with all my heart. That is why I want you to know that I understand you. I truly understand you, from the bottom of my heart. But life is about making decisions, and right now I find myself having to make one of those difficult decisions," he said, adding that Chelsea would "always have a place" in his heart. Fernandez arrived at Stamford Bridge for a then-British record £107m from Benfica in early 2023 and leaves three and a half years later reunited with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca at the Etihad, having been dropped and publicly reprimanded by the club earlier this year after casting doubt over his future during a difficult run of results.
Wrexham Make Approach to Sign Free Agent Jamie Vardy
Wrexham have made an approach to sign free agent Jamie Vardy , with owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney eyeing another eye-catching addition to Phil Parkinson's Championship squad. Vardy, 39, has been without a club since leaving Italian side Cremonese following their relegation to Serie B, and is under no pressure to decide before the transfer window closes given his free-agent status allows him to sign at any point. Reports suggest he has several other offers to weigh, including interest from West Ham, Sheffield Wednesday, MLS clubs and Sao Paulo, and is expected to take his time before committing to his next move. The former Leicester City striker retired from a 13-year spell at the King Power Stadium having scored 200 goals in 500 appearances, and was central to the club's remarkable 2015-16 Premier League title triumph. Wrexham have already spent around £25m this window, including a club-record £8m deal for goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, as they push to build a squad capable of competing at the top of the Championship following back-to-back promotions from League Two and League One.
Inter Miami Sign 19-Year-Old Brazilian Winger Riquelme Fillipi From Palmeiras
Inter Miami have signed 19-year-old Brazilian winger Riquelme Fillipi from Palmeiras, adding fresh attacking depth after a season-ending injury to Tadeo Allende. The deal is reported to involve a $4.2 million fee for 60% of the player's economic rights, with an option to acquire a further 30% for $2 million. Fillipi has signed through the end of the 2029-30 MLS season, with an extension option for a further year, and will occupy a U22 Initiative roster slot. He joins fellow Brazilian Micael in South Florida and travels to Fort Lauderdale to complete his medical and finalise the move. The right-footed winger made 80 appearances for Palmeiras' U-20 side, scoring 30 goals and adding four assists, and led the scoring charts in the 2025 Copa Libertadores U-20. He has also featured 11 times for Palmeiras' first team across senior competitions. Miami were exposed by a lack of attacking depth during an early Leagues Cup exit, and with Allende sidelined for the rest of the season, the club used MLS's Season-Ending Injury List provision to add a replacement to the senior roster outside the normal transfer mechanisms.
Women's Champions League Qualifying: Decisive Second Legs Set to Confirm League Phase Lineup
The UEFA Women's Champions League third qualifying round reaches its decisive second legs today, with the final spots in this season's league phase up for grabs across nine two-legged ties. Real Madrid head into their return leg with Ajax holding a comfortable 2-0 aggregate lead from the first leg in the Netherlands, courtesy of goals from Felicia Schroder and Janou Levels. Wolfsburg are similarly well placed against Inter, having won the first leg 2-0 at home through Lara Prasnikar and Camilla Kuever, with Inter reduced to ten women in that encounter. Chelsea hold the biggest cushion of the marquee ties, having produced a stunning second-half turnaround to beat Real Sociedad 5-2 at Plough Lane, with debutant Melvine Malard scoring twice either side of a Lauren James strike after Sociedad had briefly levelled at 2-2. Elsewhere, Sparta Prague take a narrower 3-2 advantage into their second leg away at Servette after a five-goal thriller in the first meeting. The nine winners across the round will join the nine clubs already directly qualified for the league phase, including holders Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, PSG hopefuls and other automatic qualifiers, while the nine losing sides drop into the second qualifying round of the Women's Europa Cup. The stakes are heightened by the timing: the 2026/27 Champions League league phase draw takes place on September 4, just two days after these ties conclude, with the newly qualified sides learning their opponents almost immediately. The competition proper then kicks off with Matchday 1 on September 22/23.
Antonio Rudiger Retires From International Football After 86 Germany Caps
Antonio Rudiger has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 12-year career with the Germany national team that began back in 2014. The 33-year-old Real Madrid defender confirmed the decision in an Instagram post, finishing with 86 caps and three goals across three World Cups and multiple European Championships. "After some time to reflect, the time has come for me to end my career with the national team and make way for the younger generation," Rudiger wrote. His only major title with Germany came at the 2017 Confederations Cup, and he was capped six times at major tournaments, though the "big title" ultimately eluded him at senior level. Rudiger's final appearance for his country came in Germany's round-of-32 exit to Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup , in which he played 110 minutes. His retirement follows a day after Argentina great Lionel Messi announced his own international retirement, and comes just weeks before incoming Germany head coach Jurgen Klopp is due to name his first squad on September 17 , leaving him needing to rebuild part of a defence that has lost one of its most experienced figures. Rudiger thanked former managers Joachim Low, Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann in his statement, along with youth mentor Horst Hrubesch, and said he would now "focus entirely" on his club career at Real Madrid, where his contract runs through the end of the season.
Burnley Confirm Signing of Japan International Reo Hatate From Celtic
Burnley have confirmed the signing of Japan international Reo Hatate from Celtic on transfer deadline day, with the midfielder penning a three-year deal at Turf Moor for an undisclosed fee. Hatate departs Celtic after four-and-a-half years in Glasgow, having joined from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2022. He made 191 appearances for the Scottish Premiership champions, scoring 33 goals and adding 31 assists, and helped the club win five league titles, two Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups. His only action this season came as a substitute in both legs of Celtic's Champions League play-off ties against LASK Linz, having submitted a transfer request at the end of last season. "This is a great move for me," Hatate said after completing the move. "It's my first time playing in England and it's a fantastic club to be joining. I'm hoping to bring my experience and knowledge to the dressing room and help the team on the pitch as much as possible to achieve our aim." The 28-year-old, who has 11 caps for Japan, now links up with Nicky Hayen's Championship squad. His departure comes alongside a busy deadline day at Celtic Park, with striker Johnny Kenny also leaving on a permanent deal to Preston North End, as the Scottish champions continue reshaping their squad following the loan signing of Parma midfielder Oliver Sorensen.
Premier League Smashes Transfer Spending Record Again as Summer Outlay Hits £3.48bn
Premier League clubs have smashed their all-time summer transfer spending record for the second consecutive year, with gross outlay reaching £3.48 billion as the 2026 window slammed shut on deadline day. The figure comfortably surpasses last summer's previous record of £3.14bn, and dwarfs the £1.13bn spent by clubs just five years ago, underlining the growing financial power of England's top flight compared to the rest of Europe. Deadline day itself provided a flurry of late activity, with Iliman Ndiaye's £60m move from Everton to Manchester City among the final deals to push the total past the previous mark. Four of the eleven most expensive signings in the history of football have happened this summer alone, with three of them Premier League deals. Manchester City's British record-equalling £125m capture of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea headlined the spree, while Chelsea's own £117m signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and Manchester City's £116m outlay on Elliot Anderson rank as the two most expensive British players in history. The scale of spending has drawn criticism as well as attention, with some observers pointing out that much of the outlay went on mid-level reinforcements rather than genuine marquee names, and raising questions about Squad Cost Ratio accounting practices behind several deals. Still, the numbers confirm the Premier League's financial dominance heading into the 2026/27 season, with clubs once again spending more than the rest of Europe's "big five" leagues combined on a net basis.