World Soccer news

• Galatasaray confirm Ugochukwu loan from Burnley

  16-07-2026 13:01 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Lesley Ugochukwu began his career at Rennes [Shutterstock]Galatasaray have confirmed former Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu has joined them on loan from Burnley in a deal that could eventually be worth £25.5m.The Turkish club said in a statement that they have agreed to pay a £3m loan fee this season for the Clarets' record signing.They also have the option of making the deal permanent next summer for another £22.5m or his transfer becomes obligatory if Ugochukwu makes 25 a
  
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• Simeone Targets Oyarzabal as Álvarez Saga Reshapes Atlético’s Attack

  18-07-2026 14:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Simeone Targets Oyarzabal as Álvarez Saga Reshapes Atlético’s AttackAl-Nassr have offered Barcelona the chance to sign striker Jhon Durán as an alternative to Julián Álvarez, according to Diario Sport, while El Chiringuito report separately that Diego Simeone has identified Mikel Oyarzabal as the man he wants this summer – a development that adds a new dimension to one of La Liga’s more tangled transfer sagas.Al-Nassr Push Durán Towards
  
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• Lionel Messi on viral photos of him bathing baby Lamine Yamal: 'What a crazy picture'

  18-07-2026 14:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Spain’s Mikel Merino was like many of us this week when he first saw the viral photos of a 20-year-old Lionel Messi bathing a five-month old Lamine Yamal during a 2007 calendar photoshoot for UNICEF.“The first time I saw it, I thought it was AI and that it wasn’t even real,” Merino said Friday.The photos are real and only resurfaced this week because Messi’s Argentina and Yamal’s Spain will meet on Sunday in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
  
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• Barcelona determined to avoid another “Dro” situation with two La Masia jewels

  18-07-2026 14:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona determined to avoid another “Dro” situation with two La Masia jewelsAccording to Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona are working to secure the futures of academy prospects Pedro Villar and Pedro Rodriguez, whose contracts expire in 2027, as the club looks to avoid repeating the circumstances that led to Dro Fernandez’s departure.Learning from the Dro caseDro emerged as one of the biggest surprises of last summer’s pre-season.After spending most of the previous campaig
  
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• Ben Jacobs: Liverpool leading the race to sign World Cup star

  18-07-2026 14:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Ben Jacobs: Liverpool leading the race to sign World Cup starLiverpool Lead Bradley Barcola Race as PSG Set £128m Asking PriceLiverpool have been here before, circling elite talent, weighing up value, need and timing, then deciding whether to go all in. This time the name under the spotlight is Bradley Barcola, and according to Ben Jacobs, the Reds are currently at the front of the queue.That matters, because Barcola is no speculative link. He is one of the most coveted young forwards in E
  
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• Official: Roma announce Mancini & Cristante renewals

  18-07-2026 14:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Official: Roma announce Mancini & Cristante renewalsRoma have confirmed contract extensions for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante, securing two of the club’s longest-serving players on the same day.According to the club’s official announcements, Mancini has committed until 2029 and Cristante until 2028.The pair have become fixtures of the Giallorossi side over the best part of a decade, Mancini since 2019, Cristante since 2018, and both extensions underline Gian Piero Gasperin
  
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• York sign veteran full-back Hunt

  18-07-2026 14:18 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Jack Hunt has twice won promotion to the Championship through the play-offs, with Huddersfield in 2012 and Sheffield Wednesday 11 years later [Getty Images]Full-back Jack Hunt has joined York City on a free transfer to become the Minstermen's eighth summer signing upon their return to the Football League.The 35-year-old, who began his career at Huddersfield Town, has made almost 500 appearances in the EFL across more than 10 different clubs.He played nearly 300 games in the Championship with the
  
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• Real Madrid change stance on summer move for Man City superstar after World Cup excellence

  18-07-2026 14:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid change stance on summer move for Man City superstar after World Cup excellenceReal Madrid are prepared to revive their pursuit of Rodri after Jose Mourinho identified the Manchester City midfielder as the player capable of transforming his new-look midfield, according to journalist Sergio Valentin.The Spain international has been admired at the Santiago Bernabeu for some time, but concerns over his age, injury record and the size of any potential transfer fee had previously pushed th
  
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• Roma plot transfer revenge on Juventus and Massara

  18-07-2026 14:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Roma plot transfer revenge on Juventus and MassaraLa Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Roma are plotting a transfer revenge on Juventus and Frederic Massara, which would prompt the Giallorossi to open talks with free agent Franck Kessié.Roma are reportedly infuriated with Juventus and Massara after the Bianconeri hijacked their offer to sign Zeki Celik.The Giallorossi expected the Turkish defender to land in the capital to sign a contract extension, but Celik took the flight for Turin ins
  
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• Barcelona will consider offers of €50-60 million for defender amid Bayern Munich interest

  18-07-2026 14:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona will consider offers of €50-60 million for defender amid Bayern Munich interestAccording to SPORT, FC Barcelona are open to listening to offers for Jules Kounde, but only if they reflect the French defender’s true market value. Although the French international is not considered untouchable, Barcelona have no intention of making his departure easy, amid tentative interest from Bayern Munich.The sporting department continues to rate the French international among the best rig
  
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• Official: Bryan Cristante extends Roma deal until 2028

  18-07-2026 13:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Official: Bryan Cristante extends Roma deal until 2028Roma have officially announced Bryan Cristante’s new contract. “AS Roma is delighted to announce that Bryan Cristante has signed a contract extension with the club until 2028.Since arriving in the capital in the summer of 2018, the midfielder has forged a long and successful path in the Giallorossi jersey, establishing himself over the years as a key figure both on and off the pitch.Cristante has so far made 364 appearances and sc
  
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• Report: Aston Villa considering moves for two forwards

  18-07-2026 13:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Report: Aston Villa considering moves for two forwardsAston Villa Transfer Latest: Summerville and Bardghji Emerge as Villa Weigh Wide OptionsAston Villa are preparing for a significant summer on the flanks, with growing expectation that interest in Morgan Rogers could shape their attacking plans. As first reported by Daily Mail, Villa have made checks on Crysencio Summerville and have also been presented with the chance to sign Roony Bardghji.The situation around Rogers is an important backdrop
  
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• Official: Mancini signs new Roma deal until 2029

  18-07-2026 13:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Official: Mancini signs new Roma deal until 2029Roma have officially announced Gianluca Mancini’s new contract.“AS Roma is delighted to announce that Gianluca Mancini has signed a contract extension with the club until 2029.Having worn the Giallorossi jersey since 2019, the defender has made 319 appaearances and scored 23 goals across all competitions.Born in 1996, Mancini has established himself over the years as a key figure for both the club and the fans.“
  
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• Barcelona’s search for Julian Alvarez alternative hits immediate roadblock as Chelsea declare striker untouchable

  18-07-2026 13:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona’s search for Julian Alvarez alternative hits immediate roadblock as Chelsea declare striker untouchableBarcelona’s search for attacking reinforcements has suffered a significant setback after Fabrizio Romano dismissed suggestions that Chelsea forward Joao Pedro could emerge as an alternative to Julian Alvarez.The Catalan club continue to prioritise Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid have repeatedly insisted the Argentina international is not for sale. With president Joan Lap
  
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• Estcourt joins English third-tier side Fulham

  18-07-2026 13:47 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Charlie Estcourt has topped the 50-cap mark for Wales [Huw Evans Picture Agency]Wales midfielder Charlie Estcourt has joined English third-tier side Fulham women for 2026-27.The 28-year old has left Portsmouth, who were relegated to the English Southern Premier division in which Fulham play at the end of last season.Estcourt joined Portsmouth - then in Women's Super League 2 - in February after agreeing to terminate her contract with DC Power FC.Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson has stated she would li
  
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• Blues re-sign Brighton keeper Beadle on loan

  18-07-2026 13:44 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  James Beadle joined Brighton's youth team from Charlton in 2022 but has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Premier League side [Getty Images]Birmingham City have re-signed Brighton goalkeeper James Beadle on another season-long loan.The England Under-21 international spent last season at Blues, making 38 appearances across all competitions as they finished 10th on their return to the Championship.The move marks the 22-year-old's third consecutive full campaign in the second tier, having
  
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• Fabrizio Romano confirms Mohamed Salah contract deal talks

  18-07-2026 13:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Fabrizio Romano confirms Mohamed Salah contract deal talksLiverpool lost Mo Salah. The Egyptian King, 34, reached an agreement to rip up his £400k per week contract one year early. Following a falling out with club top brass - including Arne Slot - a decision was taken on Salah’s future.The two-time African footballer of the year is now free to negotiate a bumper contract elsewhere. One issue for the left-footed attacker is that lucrative offers have not exactly been streaming in.Sau
  
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• A bit 'blah' or a worthy host? Is MetLife right World Cup final choice?

  18-07-2026 13:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The MetLife has been known as the New York New Jersey Stadium at the World Cup as Fifa prohibits corporate stadium sponsorships [Getty Images]As the World Cup final approaches, this tournament will long be remembered for its drama and some classic matches.Just as important for the fans at the games has been their experience inside the venues.They have stepped into football history at Mexico's Azteca Stadium. They have seen the luxurious design of the Sofi stadium outside Los Angeles. The have ex
  
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• How financial demands of Serie A differ from other European leagues

  18-07-2026 13:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  How financial demands of Serie A differ from other European leaguesFor football supporters who follow the sport beyond matchday results, they tell a story that results alone rarely capture. And here is what you need to understand first:The Premier League makes between €7.1 billion and €7.9 billion a year. That makes it the richest league in the world by a wide margin. The money comes from TV deals, sponsors, and fans all over the globe.Now, to Serie A: It generates just under €3 b
  
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• Report: Liverpool have made contact over move for Premier League star

  18-07-2026 13:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Report: Liverpool have made contact over move for Premier League starLiverpool Eye Maxence Lacroix as Defensive Search Continues Under Andoni IraolaLiverpool are doing what serious clubs do in a transfer window, they are making calls, checking availability and building a market picture before anyone starts shouting about a breakthrough. The latest report from X account Indykaila, claims the club contacted Crystal Palace at 10am yesterday regarding Maxence Lacroix. That is the story. No bid, no a
  
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• Gemmill leaves Scotland U21 role after 13 years

  18-07-2026 13:19 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Scot Gemmill [SNS]Scot Gemmill will depart from the role of Scotland Under-21 head coach after 13 years, the Scottish FA have announced.Former Scotland midfielder Gemmill, 55, previously coached the nation's under-17s, was unable to get the under-21s to a European Championship but did seal fourth place at the Toulon Tournament in 2018.Gemmill played his club football predominantly in England with spells at Nottingham Forest, Everton, Preson North End, Leicester City and Oxford United before a ye
  
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• World Cup winner Capdevila appeals to Trump after US travel permit denied

  18-07-2026 13:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Joan Capdevila (left) has reached out to President Donald Trump for help[Getty Images]Former Spain international Joan Capdevila has made a plea to US President Donald Trump for help after he says he was denied a travel permit to enter the United States before Sunday's World Cup final.Capdevila, 48, was part of the Spain team that defeated the Netherlands to win the 2010 World Cup final.The retired full-back was hoping to reunite with his former team-mates and watch Spain's second World Cup final
  
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• Santos youngster wins Cuca's trust and becomes attacking option

  18-07-2026 13:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Santos youngster wins Cuca's trust and becomes attacking optionWith the coffers empty and unable to sign players due to a FIFA transfer ban, Santos has been looking more and more closely at its youth academy.According to ge, the latest name in the spotlight is Nadson, a 17-year-old forward who made his first-team debut at the start of the year under Juan Pablo Vojvoda and is now emerging under Cuca.The Rise of a GemUnder the Boss’s Watch: Cuca was impressed by the youngster during a Brazil
  
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• Real Madrid’s interest in Michael Olise creates tense atmosphere within Bayern Munich dressing room – report

  18-07-2026 13:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid’s interest in Michael Olise creates tense atmosphere within Bayern Munich dressing room – reportReal Madrid’s long-standing interest in Michael Olise has become a source of anxiety inside Bayern Munich, with uncertainty over the French winger’s future beginning to affect the atmosphere within the Bundesliga champions’ dressing room.According to journalist Romain Molina, rumours surrounding a possible move to the Santiago Bernabeu have prompted Bayern pla
  
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• The Serie A curse haunting England’s recent World Cup eliminations

  18-07-2026 13:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Serie A curse haunting England’s recent World Cup eliminationsLautaro Martinez crushed England’s World Cup dreams on Wednesday, as the Inter striker became the third Serie A star since 2018 to eliminate the Three Lions from the tournament.Inter captain Lautaro Martinez scored a late winning goal for Argentina on Wednesday, allowing the South Americans to qualify for the World Cup Final.Serie A stars knocking England out of World CupThis means that, for the third consecutive time,
  
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• Man City 2026 World Cup Watch: How the Blues fared in the semi-finals

  18-07-2026 13:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Man City 2026 World Cup Watch: How the Blues fared in the semi-finalsThe 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final concluded on July 15, with Spain and Argentina advancing to the final battle to lift the 18-carat gold trophy.After the competition commenced with Manchester City having 18 players representing 12 different nations, the group stage saw Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov’s elimination from the tournament and 17 of his clubmates across 11 nations qualify for the Round of 32.The conclusion o
  
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• Former Arsenal striker returns to Spain

  18-07-2026 13:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Former Arsenal striker returns to SpainPierre-Emerick Aubameyang has signed a two-year contract in Spain, extending a career that has taken him across Europe’s biggest leagues.Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty ImagesPierre-Emerick Aubameyang has returned to Spanish football after signing for Deportivo La Coruna, the former Arsenal striker’s fifth club since leaving for Barcelona in 2022.The 37-year-old has completed the move in a deal worth €1.5 million and has signed a t
  
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• OFFICIAL STATEMENT: BERKAY KARACA

  18-07-2026 13:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  OFFICIAL STATEMENT: BERKAY KARACAAC Milan can confirm that Berkay Karaca has undergone surgery in Varese to repair a fracture of the fourth metatarsal in his right foot.The operation was successfully performed by Dr Carlo Montoli and his team, in the presence of Club doctor Andrea Bulgheroni. The defender has since been discharged from hospital and has already begun his rehabilitation programme at Milanello.
  
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• World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The Independent’s best XI from historic event

  18-07-2026 12:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The 2026 World Cup is at its final furlong. After all the build-up and a thrilling five weeks of the very highest sporting drama, there are now just two matches left. Spain and Argentina contest the final in New Jersey on Sunday, with both having come through their semi-finals against France and England respectively. European champions Spain were ultra-impressive in dismantling France and stopping their attacking firepower, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina side again launched a stunning come
  
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• Spain make touching gesture to injured Barcelona midfielder ahead of World Cup final

  18-07-2026 12:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Spain make touching gesture to injured Barcelona midfielder ahead of World Cup finalBarcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez will travel to the United States to support Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final despite missing the tournament through injury.The aforementioned gesture comes from the Royal Spanish Football Federation, who are determined to recognise the players who helped the team qualify.According to Mundo Deportivo, Fermin will be at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for Sunday’s showdow
  
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