Sunday, July 26, 2026

Andoni Iraola claimed a winning start at Liverpool, his side overcoming Sunderland 2-1 in Nashville on July 26, 2026, to finish 4-2. Kieran Morrison's early goal was quickly cancelled out as Sunderland went ahead 2-1, but Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa, and Lewis Koumas struck after the break to seal the victory in preseason. The display offered early signs of the intensity Iraola has brought to Anfield, though the afternoon soured when Joe Gomez limped off with injury (via Sky Sports).

United shred Rosenborg. Manchester United battered Rosenborg 5-0 in preseason action, Erik ten Hag's side showing clinical finishing on their summer tour as the new Premier League campaign looms (via ESPN).

Women's Africa Cup opens. Morocco and Algeria kicked off the Women's Africa Cup of Nations on July 26, with the tournament expanded to 16 teams for the first time. Morocco beat Kenya while Algeria faced Senegal in Group A openers, the opening day of a 22-day championship running through August 16 in Morocco (via Al Jazeera).

Champions League second legs looming. The Champions League second qualifying round reaches its climax on July 28 and 29, when the return fixtures decide who advances to the third qualifying round. The stakes are knife-edge: lose and a club's continental summer ends before August even starts (via UEFA).

Manchester City appointed Enzo Maresca as head coach on a three-year contract until summer 2029, ending speculation about life after Pep Guardiola's departure. The Italian, who previously worked at City as part of Guardiola's coaching staff and under-23s coach, brings experience from a spell at Chelsea and a reputation for patient, ball-dominant football. Maresca told the club he is "not a 'copy and paste' coach," signalling his own tactical identity at the Etihad (via Sky Sports).

Arsenal circle Vinicius Junior. Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, are exploring a move for Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian forward entering the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu. The Gunners have reached agreement "at all levels" to pursue the deal, though no official talks between clubs have begun yet, making this early-stage interest rather than an imminent move. Arsenal are also tracking Julian Alvarez, Yan Diomande, and Bradley Barcola (via Sky Sports).

Inter Milan pursue Romero. Inter Milan's sporting director Piero Ausilio confirmed talks over Tottenham captain Cristian Romero on July 26, with the Italian champions reportedly setting a 10-day deadline to complete a deal. The Serie A side have hinted at a package close to £34 million (about 40 million euros) and want a permanent transfer rather than a loan with future conditions, while Romero himself is understood to favour a move to San Siro (via beIN Sports).

Chelsea agree Lacroix deal. Chelsea have agreed a deal with Crystal Palace to sign France defender Maxence Lacroix for a reported £51 million on a six-year contract. The 26-year-old, who debuted for France and played in the World Cup this summer, comes to Stamford Bridge after a move Palace resisted fierce competition to sanction (via Sky Sports).

Real Madrid eye Diomande. Real Madrid are leading the race to sign RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, with the Spanish champions reportedly having had an £85 million bid rejected by the Bundesliga club. Los Blancos continue reshaping their attack and defence across the window (via ESPN).

Preseason friendlies are reaching their crescendo across the Premier League ahead of the August 21 season kickoff. Tottenham remain unbeaten in their warm-up schedule after a 2-0 win over Auckland FC in New Zealand, while Liverpool's emphatic pre-season start under Andoni Iraola and Manchester United's 5-0 thrashing of Rosenborg signal how sharply the top clubs are moving toward competitive readiness (via Sky Sports).

Transfer window crunch. With just three weeks until the Premier League season opens and the Champions League entering its critical qualifying phase, every club is racing to finalize signings. The spending from City, Chelsea, Arsenal, and others reflects a competitive urgency as teams aim to open the season at full strength rather than mid-rebuild (via ESPN).