World Soccer news

• Stats that show Premier League is getting more competitive

  17-08-2026 08:41 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Arsenal's Community Shield victory over Manchester City was only their fourth win from 19 meetings this decade [Getty Images]Last season, the Premier League was arguably more competitive than it has been for years.While the 65 points between champions Arsenal and bottom side Wolves was around the average for a 38-game season (63), a real revolution took place in mid-table.Since the league was reduced to 20 teams in 1995-96, the gap between the top four and the bottom three – between what h
  
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• Real Madrid see 19-year-old academy talent as Courtois’ direct successor

  17-08-2026 10:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid see 19-year-old academy talent as Courtois’ direct successorReal Madrid have identified young goalkeeper Javi Navarro as a potential long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois, although the club has no intention of rushing his development.According to AS, Real Madrid have complete faith in Navarro and believe he has the quality to eventually take over the No. 1 role at the Santiago Bernabeu.For now, though, there is no succession plan being forced into action. This is because
  
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• Signings impress but squad issues remain - learnings from Man Utd's summer

  17-08-2026 10:29 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Michael Carrick was confirmed as Manchester United's permanent head coach on 22 May [Getty Images]Calm is the word most used about Michael Carrick by people at Manchester United.Outwardly at least, nothing knocks him out of his stride.Take Thursday for instance. During extended chats with the UK media, one journalist asked, pointedly and with persistence, about realistic targets for the season ahead and questioned the club's willingness to spend enough to achieve them.What Carrick privately thou
  
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• If Rashford stays 'he is a big asset to have' - Maguire

  17-08-2026 10:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Getty Images]Manchester United defender Harry Maguire says he hopes Marcus Rashford will stay at Old Trafford because he can improve the team.Rashford came on as a second-half substitute in his first game for United since December 2024 in the 4-2 pre-season defeat by AC Milan in Wroclaw.He produced one moment of skill by the corner flag and also came close to scoring after being given the number nine shirt by Michael Carrick.United officials have stressed the number is not regarded as permanent
  
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• 'Calm and collected' Maresca 'knows the job' ahead of him - Christiansen

  17-08-2026 10:22 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Getty Images]Izzy Christiansen say it is important to not "be too emotional or rash" following Manchester City's defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield. New City manager Enzo Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola over the summer, played down the importance of the result at full-time knowing that there is still work to be done ahead of the new Premier League season. "In Maresca's post-match interview he sounded calm and collected, which is the managerial style he has displayed at Chelsea and Le
  
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• Julian Alvarez entourage inform Barcelona of key next step in transfer talks

  17-08-2026 10:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Julian Alvarez entourage inform Barcelona of key next step in transfer talksBarcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has reached another important stage, with the player’s representatives informing the Catalan club that a meeting involving Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin could be the key to moving the situation forward.According to COPE, Alvarez’s entourage believe direct talks between Gil Marin and the Argentine striker would be the next logical step as Barcelona conti
  
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• Glasner hopeful of new signings at Forest

  17-08-2026 10:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Getty Images]Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner is hopeful of up to three new signings before the end of the transfer window.The former Crystal Palace head coach expects Forest to be busy in the final two weeks of the window, after a 2-0 friendly win over Ligue 1 side Stade Brest at the City Ground. Chris Wood's penalty and Luca Netz's goal earned Forest victory on Sunday in their final pre-season game. Summer signing Xaver Schlager started but with just the midfielder and Ousmane Diomande a
  
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• Arsenal can defend title - Nevin

  17-08-2026 10:16 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Getty Images]Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin says Arsenal "have a very good chance of winning the league again this season" after brushing Manchester City aside to win the Community Shield. Despite missing key players, the Gunners recorded their biggest victory to nil against City since August 2014 - also 3-0 in the Community Shield - and lifted their second trophy in four months.Sports data analysts at Opta have the Gunners as Premier League favourites, giving Arteta's side a 38% chance of li
  
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• OGC Nice’s Victor Orakpo subject of Dundee bid

  17-08-2026 10:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  OGC Nice’s Victor Orakpo subject of Dundee bidOGC Nice centre-forward Victor Orakpo (20) is the subject of an approach from Dundee, according to a report from L’Équipe.Orakpo joined Nice from Bayern Munich’s academy. Despite initially impressing with Le Gym’s academy, he has found first-team appearances hard to come by, despite injuries in his sector theoretically providing opportunities. Last season, he spent spells on loan at Montpellier HSC and AS
  
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• Badiashile: Chelsea defender set for Napoli medical

  17-08-2026 10:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Badiashile: Chelsea defender set for Napoli medicalMultiple sources claim that Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile will undergo medical tests with Napoli tomorrow.Chelsea defender Badiashile is on the verge of joining Napoli on loan and will undergo medical examinations with the Partenopei tomorrow, Tuesday, August 18.Corriere dello Sport and Corriere della Sera confirm the date for the defender’s medical tests, and Corriere dello Sport adds that the 25-year-old will land in Italy later tod
  
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• Cristiano Ronaldo drops hint over fresh retirement plans

  17-08-2026 10:13 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested he is likely to retire at the end of the season with his motivation to leave “a spectacular legacy.”The 41-year-old featured at his sixth World Cup this summer in the USA, Canada and Mexico, becoming the first player to achieve such a feat.Already established among football’s all-time greats, Ronaldo has scored 950 goals for club and country, with discussion ongoing around when he will hang up the boots after suggesting recently that it would be
  
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• Jakirovic confirms Iroegbunam deal in doubt over injury

  17-08-2026 10:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Getty Images]Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic says a deal for Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam is in doubt after the 23-year-old picked up an injury. Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside following the draw with French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, Jakirovic said: "It's difficult because Tim is injured."We agreed everything between Everton and the player, but in the last game he got an abductor [injury]. "It's a minimum of six weeks so I don't know. Maybe, we will take another player because we need pla
  
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• Boss Hayen urges Flemming to stay at Burnley

  17-08-2026 10:09 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Ziann Flemming scored twice against West Ham [Getty Images]Zian Flemming scored twice against West Ham. [Getty Images]Burnley manager Nicky Hayen has told Zian Flemming he should stay with the Clarets despite being linked with a possible Premier League move.Coventry, Leeds and Brentford are reportedly interested in Flemming, who scored two late goals to salvage a point against West Ham in the Championship on Sunday.Hayen said it would now be harder to hang on to the 28-year-old Dutch striker, wh
  
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• 'We need training' - Iraola

  17-08-2026 10:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Getty Images]Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola says his side "needed" a clean sheet in their 2-0 friendly win over Como but warned they "need training" time in the weeks to come.Liverpool drew 0-0 with the Italian side in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Sunday and then won an encounter in front of fans at Anfield later in the day.The shutouts followed friendlies where the Reds conceded three against Monaco and four against Leeds."I think we need a little bit this feeling of finishing with a clean
  
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• Bronze explains out-of-character contract extension

  17-08-2026 10:06 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Lucy Bronze arrived at Chelsea on a free transfer from Barcelona in 2024 [Getty Images]Lucy Bronze does not really do new contracts.The England legend has played for some of Europe's biggest clubs, and has usually left when her deal has run out.Manchester City (twice), Lyon and Barcelona have all found themselves in her rear-view mirror when her time was up – leaving with more medals and memories and her eyes fixed on a new challenge.This summer, though, with her contract expiring at the e
  
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• Kebbal, Mbow, Camara: Premier League targets won’t leave Paris FC

  17-08-2026 10:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Kebbal, Mbow, Camara: Premier League targets won’t leave Paris FCIlan Kebbal, Moustapha Mbow, and Adama Camara have all been linked with moves across the Channel to the Premier League this summer, however, Paris FC’s sporting director, Marco Neppe, has ensured that the trio are staying put at the Stade Jean Bouin.Kebbal has been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Everton and Brentford, whilst cash-strapped Olympique de Marseille have also enquired about the Algeria i
  
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• Major movement expected in coming hours for 21-goal Premier League forward and Barcelona – report

  17-08-2026 10:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Major movement expected in coming hours for 21-goal Premier League forward and Barcelona – reportBarcelona could turn their attention towards Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres as uncertainty continues to surround their pursuit of Julian Alvarez.According to Jose Alvarez Haya, movement is expected in the coming hours regarding Gyokeres, with Barcelona prepared to explore the Swedish striker’s situation.The Arsenal forward has emerged as an alternative following Ferran Torres’ depa
  
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• 🎥 Pyro blockade outside the stadium! Bundesliga move enrages fans

  17-08-2026 09:57 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🎥 Pyro blockade outside the stadium! Bundesliga move enrages fansThis upcoming transfer seems to be causing quite a stir among the fans. After Borussia Dortmund pulled out of the El-Mala race, a replacement now appears to have been found. Giannis Konstantelias is reportedly already in Dortmund to undergo his medical. This is being consistently reported by Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg as well as Greek media outlets, among others.This is causing major anger among the fans of his curren
  
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• Nuno aims to add more attacking threat to Hammers squad

  17-08-2026 09:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Nuno Espirito Santo saw West Ham draw their first Championship game in more than 14 years on Sunday [Shutterstock]West Ham United boss Nuno Espirito Santo says the club needs to further bolster their attacking threat despite bringing in Celtic midfielder Arne Engels from for a Championship record fee of £22m.He is the fourth new signing since the club's relegation from the Premier League.Engels' arrival follows Brighton defender Joel Veltman, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Manor Solomon and
  
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• Official: Lucumi joins Juventus from Bologna as price tag revealed

  17-08-2026 09:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Official: Lucumi joins Juventus from Bologna as price tag revealedJhon Lucumi has officially joined Juventus from Bologna for €19.5m plus add-ons, the Bianconeri confirmed.Colombia international Lucumi has joined Juventus from Bologna, signing a contract until June 2030.Lucumi, 28, underwent medical tests in Turin on Sunday, and the Bianconeri confirmed his signing this morning.Lucumi joins Juventus: official statement“Juventus Football Club S.p.A. announces that an agreement with Bol
  
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• Today’s Papers – Juventus to sign Vicario, Inter wait for Jones

  17-08-2026 09:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Today’s Papers – Juventus to sign Vicario, Inter wait for JonesLa Gazzetta dello SportStellar ItalyFour more gold medals: Iapichino and the 4×400, and we are the athletic queens of Europe.Gila: ‘I only wanted Milan; Amorim takes care of rapport and knows how to team up.’Coppa Italia: Lazio eliminated by MantovaVicario in goal: Juve’s No.1 arrives on loan, and there’s Lucumi’s signature.Corriere dello SportSuzuki in the Premier LeagueThe Japanese sa
  
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• Manchester City expected to sign Ligue 1 star soon

  17-08-2026 09:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Manchester City expected to sign Ligue 1 star soonRodri to Barcelona latest, Fabrizio Romano details Barca deals and Manchester City Lille planThe market has entered the phase where noise becomes movement. According to Fabrizio Romano, this is one of those nights. His message was simple, “it’s a big night on the market”, and the headline was even simpler, “Rodri to Barcelona is a here we go.”That is the main story. Romano said, “The deal is done” and des
  
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• Andoni Iraola admits he was impressed by new Liverpool signings

  17-08-2026 09:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Andoni Iraola admits he was impressed by new Liverpool signingsAndoni Iraola pleased with Liverpool win over Como as Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo impressLiverpool closed their 2026-27 pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win over Como at Anfield, and Andoni Iraola’s reaction afterwards offered a clear indication of where the head coach believes progress has been made, and where more work is still required before the Premier League opener.First-half goals from Cody Gakpo and debutant Jeremy J
  
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• These eight players will help you win FPL

  17-08-2026 09:49 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC]Have you settled on your Fantasy Premier League team yet, or are you still at the tinkering stage?Either way you may want to consider one of these players in your team, according to our FPL experts.Here are the eight players - aside from the obvious premium picks such as Bruno Fernandes and Erling Haaland - we think can help you have a successful season.You can join the BBC Sport League on the official Fantasy Premier League game using the code bbcfpl - or by clicking this link.[BBC][BBC]Fl
  
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• Jose Mourinho makes first major Real Madrid midfield decision for Espanyol clash

  17-08-2026 09:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Jose Mourinho makes first major Real Madrid midfield decision for Espanyol clashReal Madrid’s midfield selection for the opening match of the 2026-27 La Liga season is reportedly defined, with Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde expected to form Jose Mourinho’s double pivot against Espanyol.According to MARCA, as relayed by Madrid Xtra, the pair is set to start in the two deeper midfield roles for Real Madrid’s first league game of the campaign.It is important to note that the
  
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• 'Us against the world' - Burn wants to tap in to 'underdog mentality'

  17-08-2026 09:42 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC]Dan Burn had only been away from Newcastle United's training ground for a few months.But the England defender felt like he had joined a new club when he returned following his post-World Cup break."I'm still learning names to be honest," he said.Understandably so.It has been another turbulent summer on Tyneside following the departures of manager Eddie Howe and influential figures Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.Head coach Matthias Jaissle has brought half a dozen members
  
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• Atletico Madrid fear Barcelona links could affect Julian Alvarez’s performance on the pitch

  17-08-2026 09:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Atletico Madrid fear Barcelona links could affect Julian Alvarez’s performance on the pitchAtletico Madrid are reportedly growing increasingly concerned that the uncertainty surrounding Julian Alvarez’s future could begin to affect the striker where it matters most: on the pitch.According to Carrusel Deportivo, the prolonged Julian Alvarez transfer saga and his strong links with Barcelona have created a situation Atletico can no longer ignore. The Argentine has returned to train
  
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• Torquay's Jay hopes late win can kickstart away form

  17-08-2026 09:38 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Matt Jay's late winner ensured Torquay in their first away game of the season [Shutterstock]Torquay United match-winner Matt Jay hopes his side's late victory at Chelmsford City can be a catalyst for better away form this season.Jay's 83rd-minute goal ensured a 2-1 victory for the Gulls, their first of the National League South season, in their first match away from Plainmoor.Torquay did not pick up an away win until early October last season.They went on to win 10 of their 23 away league matche
  
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• Xavi Espart, Karim Adeyemi react after FC Basel 2-5 Barcelona: ‘Very difficult to make it here’

  17-08-2026 09:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Xavi Espart, Karim Adeyemi react after FC Basel 2-5 Barcelona: ‘Very difficult to make it here’Barcelona’s 5-2 victory over Basel produced several encouraging performances, but two players left a particularly strong impression: Xavi Espart and summer signing Karim Adeyemi.Espart was handed a starting role in central midfield and looked completely at home, while Adeyemi opened the scoring to register his first goal in a Barcelona shirt.With the La Liga opener against Elche appro
  
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• Real Madrid defender refuses to give up as Mourinho promises fair battle with summer signing – report

  17-08-2026 09:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid defender refuses to give up as Mourinho promises fair battle with summer signing – reportMarc Cucurella’s arrival at Real Madrid has changed the picture at left-back, but Alvaro Carreras is not ready to step aside.According to MARCA (h/t Madrid Xtra), Carreras remains determined to fight for his place despite the arrival of the Spanish international from Chelsea. While Cucurella is expected to become Jose Mourinho’s preferred option once the La Liga season gets
  
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