Joshua Birkin

Bryson DeChambeau opened LIV New York at Trump Bedminster with a five-over-par 49th-place score, leaving his hopes of denying Jon Rahm a fourth consecutive LIV title in serious doubt. He needs a top-three finish and a major drop by Rahm to remain in contention. DeChambeau displayed his frustration by missing a nearby bin when throwing a bottle after a poor start. His difficult tournament comes amid uncertainty over his expiring LIV contract and an expected $500 million offer, following the league’s announcement of new investors after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund indicated it would reduce its involvement in sports.

Charles Leclerc says Madrid’s new 5.4-kilometre Madring street circuit could suit his preference for challenging city tracks, particularly its 547-metre, 24-percent-banked La Monumental corner. Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed 200 kilometres of filming-day running, while Carlos Sainz also praised the unusual corner design. The circuit, featuring 22 corners and a blind exit, is set to host the Spanish Grand Prix in September after receiving FIA approval.

RB Leipzig announced the sale of 19-year-old winger Yann Diomande to Real Madrid for a reported €130 million, making it the German club’s record transfer. Leipzig mocked Fabrizio Romano’s trademark “Here We Go” phrase after the journalist prematurely reported that the deal was complete, prompting criticism from Florian Plettenberg and a public dispute between the journalists. Diomande joins a Real Madrid attack featuring Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior after scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists in 36 appearances for Leipzig last season.

Tottenham are expected to receive 20% of a proposed £25 million transfer fee if West Ham sign former Spurs forward Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar. The payment would provide an unexpected financial boost after Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation and West Ham dropped into the Championship. Parrott has reportedly scored 51 goals in 94 appearances for AZ and is pursuing a return to England. West Ham have also retained captain Jarrod Bowen, although he reportedly has a £15 million release clause if the club fails to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

Rodri is reportedly reconsidering his expected move to Real Madrid and may be open to negotiating with Barcelona. The midfielder has one year left on his Manchester City contract, and City are reportedly looking to cash in after seven years and 298 appearances. Barcelona remain cautious while waiting for Rodri’s final decision, while Real Madrid hope to strengthen their squad under returning manager José Mourinho. Rodri has expressed a desire to return to La Liga but has not publicly confirmed his next destination.

Emma Raducanu’s career since her 2021 US Open triumph has been disrupted by repeated injuries, surgeries, illnesses, coaching changes and inconsistent playing time. She missed Wimbledon and the upcoming US Open in 2026 because of a stress fracture, after reaching finals in Cluj-Napoca and at Queen’s but losing both in straight sets. The article suggests that workload management, conditioning, recovery and coaching stability are central to her difficulties. Raducanu has used extensive rehabilitation and selective scheduling to rebuild her fitness and is again working with 2021 US Open coach Andrew Richardson. At 23, she retains time to revive her career if she can establish sustained health and consistency.

Gianni Infantino faces mounting pressure after abandoning a plan to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup, which was opposed by UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC and prompted threats of a boycott from UEFA members. He is expected to remain in office until FIFA's next presidential election in Rabat, Morocco, although the article notes conflicting dates for the vote. Potential successors include CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom. Montagliani is presented as the leading contender, while Al-Khelaifi's representatives deny that he wants the role. The election requires 106 votes from FIFA's 211 member associations, and Infantino remains the only declared candidate while expected challengers prepare to enter the race.

Tottenham’s ability to spend around £300 million in the 2026–27 transfer window is attributed to European prize money, strong matchday revenue from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, commercial and broadcast income, player sales, and a relatively controlled wage bill. The club recorded £565.3 million in income for the year ending June 2025 and appears able to comply with the Premier League’s 70% Squad Cost Ratio. Coach Roberto De Zerbi has also helped attract players such as Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes, while Tottenham are expected to pursue further signings and may sell Cristian Romero, Richarlison and Manor Solomon.

Tottenham are reportedly closing in on a deal worth more than £70 million for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, with Liverpool willing to sell if their asking price is met. Manager Roberto De Zerbi views Gakpo as the final major addition to a project he says is 60% complete, while the player is expected to decide his next destination. Tottenham had also considered Manchester City’s Savinho and Omar Marmoush. Liverpool could replace Gakpo and Mo Salah by pursuing Paris Saint-Germain forwards Bradley Barcola and Mbaye. The reported move comes as Tottenham respond to Dominic Solanke’s injury concern and prepare for the new season.

Manchester City are projected to undergo a transition after Pep Guardiola’s departure and the appointment of Enzo Maresca. The proposed XI features new or recently acquired players including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Malo Gusto, Marc Guehi, Elliot Anderson and Ayouub Bouaddi, while academy product Nico O’Reilly is expected to continue at left-back. Rodri’s possible move to Real Madrid could accelerate Bouaddi’s integration, and departures for Savinho and Omar Marmoush may give Jérémy Doku and Anthoine Semenyo larger attacking roles. Maresca is expected to retain City’s high press, possession-based football and high defensive line while using a double pivot, traditional overlapping full-backs and greater width than Guardiola typically preferred. Phil Foden’s form is identified as a key variable, with Rayan Cherki an alternative if he fails to recover his previous level.