# transfer window — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 2 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover transfer window. Page: Feed: --- ## [York Ebor meeting: International Stakes and more on day one – horse racing live](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/aug/19/york-ebor-meeting-international-stakes-and-more-on-day-one-horse-racing-live) _2026-08-19 · Greg Wood at York · Sport | The Guardian_ Updates from the opening day’s card at York Constitution River can fill Bow Echo void | Mail Greg International Stakes contender: Ombudsman Age: 5. Runs: 12. Wins: 3. Group One wins: 4. Continue reading... ## [England v Pakistan: first men’s cricket Test, rain stops play on day one – live](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/aug/19/england-v-pakistan-first-mens-cricket-test-day-one-live) _2026-08-19 · Rob Smyth (now) and Tanya Aldred (later) · Sport | The Guardian_ Updates from Headingley; play starts 11am BST Ali Martin on ‘El Dysfunctiono’ | The Spin Warm applause as Joe Root leads England out at the start of his second spell as permanent captain. Are there any precedents for this, an experienced former captain returning to the job on a permanent basis years later? Bob Simpson is the name sitting at the top of my head. I guess Mike Brearley qualifies,… ## [Manchester United make £65m offer for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/19/manchester-united-brighton-carlos-baleba) _2026-08-19 · Jamie Jackson · Sport | The Guardian_ Bid short of Brighton’s valuation for midfielder Cameroon international was a United target last summer Manchester United are confident of signing Brighton’s Carlos Baleba for less than £75m, with the 22-year-old midfielder having agreed personal terms. United have made an initial offer of £60m plus £5m add-ons for Baleba, which is below Brighton’s valuation. Baleba has been a target for United… ## [Premier League 2026-27 preview No 16: Manchester United](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/19/premier-league-2026-27-preview-no-16-manchester-united) _2026-08-19 · Jamie Jackson · Sport | The Guardian_ Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans will be key to Michael Carrick’s chances of success over a full season and of healing the rift between club and fans Guardian writers’ predicted position: 5th (NB: this is not necessarily Jamie Jackson’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips) Last season’s position: 3rd Continue reading... ## [Aston Villa expect another bid from Al Hilal for Ollie Watkins](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/19/aston-villa-al-hilal-ollie-watkins) _2026-08-19 · Ben Fisher · Sport | The Guardian_ Offer of almost £40m rejected for England striker Watkins has two years left on his contract Aston Villa are braced for another bid from Al Hilal for Ollie Watkins, after rejecting an offer worth almost £40m for the striker. Al Hilal are pursuing a move for Villa’s all-time Premier League goalscorer, who has reached double figures in the top flight in his six seasons at the club after joining from… ## [Tennis grand slams unite to establish player council in attempt to defuse prize money row](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/19/tennis-grand-slams-player-advisory-council-prize-money-row-us-open) _2026-08-19 · Exclusive by Matt Hughes · Sport | The Guardian_ Move could be confirmed along with $100m US Open pot Slams have been in dispute with players for 18 months The grand slam tennis tournaments have agreed to establish a formal Player Advisory Council in a move aimed at defusing the row over prize money. The joint venture could be confirmed on Wednesday as part of US Tennis Association’s announcement of this year’s US Open prize money, which is… ## [Wafcon 2026 review: Glory for Cameroon, Nigeria flop and Malawi cause a stir](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/19/wafcon-2026-review-glory-for-cameroon-nigeria-flop-and-malawi-cause-a-stir) _2026-08-19 · Firdose Moonda · Sport | The Guardian_ Monique Ngock starred as Cameroon triumphed for the first time in a tournament of compelling surprises, even if crowd figures disappointed Cameroon became only the fourth country to lift the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title following Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa, and only the third to have both a men’s and women’s continental champion, after a 3-0 win over Malawi in… ## [Is Turkey home to savvy signings or a new retirement league? We’ll soon find out](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/19/turkey-super-lig-signings-salah-retirement-league) _2026-08-19 · Leander Schaerlaeckens · Sport | The Guardian_ Mohamed Salah’s arrival made a splash, but the Turkish Super Lig will probably become the latest league to end up as a bailout fund for Europe’s powerhouses Mohamed Salah plays in Turkey now. So do Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard and Leroy Sané and Nathan Aké. Mason Greenwood and N’Golo Kanté and Dusan Vlahovic, too. Bruno Fernandes and Gabriel Martinelli may yet follow them there, depending on… ## [Five Sydney Swans players suspended for rest of AFL season say they are ‘deeply sorry’](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/19/sydney-swans-players-sanctions-stood-down-rest-of-afl-season-ntwnfb) _2026-08-19 · Jack Snape · Sport | The Guardian_ Bice, Blakey, Heeney, Jordon and Warner hit by suspensions None of the five players have been arrested or charged Five Sydney Swans players have said they are “deeply sorry” after they were suspended for the rest of the AFL season. The club stood down players Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner on Wednesday morning. None of the men have been arrested or charged, but… ## [Nick Kyrgios suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/19/nick-kyrgios-suspended-from-tennis-after-testing-positive-for-cocaine) _2026-08-19 · Matt Hughes · Sport | The Guardian_ Australian reveals ‘huge mistake’ in Instagram post Kyrgios tested positive at ATP 250 event in June The former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine. The 31-year-old Australian revealed on an Instagram post on Wednesday that he had “made a huge mistake” before his suspension was confirmed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency… ## [From any door to your door (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/pjQVHh2Cm21U) _2026-08-19 · **Sponsored**_ Book rides, errands, deliveries, groceries and home help in one app ## [Football transfer rumours: Al-Hilal eye moves for Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins?](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/19/football-transfer-rumours-al-hilal-eye-moves-for-harry-kane-and-ollie-watkins) _2026-08-19 · Sarah Rendell · Football | The Guardian_ Today’s gossip is still on the beach It seems the possibility of winning the Ballon d’Or is not the only thing the England captain Harry Kane has been talking about recently. Well, his representatives at least. It is thought the Bayern Munich striker’s team have been in talks with the Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal with Kane reportedly open to a future move. However, it’s also understood the… ## [Premier League season preview: Arsenal to Fulham | Football Weekly video](https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/aug/19/premier-league-season-preview-arsenal-to-fulham-football-weekly) _2026-08-19 · Football | The Guardian_ Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Wilson, Philippe Auclair for the first of our Premier League preview podcasts. Continue reading... ## [WSL’s ‘big two’: Arsenal and Chelsea record more revenue than rest of league combined | Tom Garry](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/19/wsl-finances-arsenal-chelsea-revenue) _2026-08-19 · Tom Garry · Football | The Guardian_ Two clubs are far ahead in wages and turnover, but London City Lionesses could be new force after big transfer moves After reviewing eight seasons’ worth of Women’s Super League clubs’ financial accounts, it seems appropriate to start by offering a sincere apology to any reader who has become accustomed to seeing the phrase “the big four” in Women’s Super League coverage in reference to Arsenal,… ## [‘This isn’t normal in football’: Xisco, Malaysia and the new Invincibles](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/19/xisco-malaysia-new-invincibles-football-johor-darul-tazim) _2026-08-19 · Sam Cunningham in Johor · Football | The Guardian_ Royal family-backed Johor Darul Ta’zim are on the verge of a world-record 109 league games unbeaten and their former Watford manager is aiming higher Many Watford fans felt Xisco Muñoz was dismissed too soon after leading them into the Premier League as Championship runners-up in 2021, only to be ousted less than two months into the new season. He is remembered fondly at Vicarage Road, an emblem… ## [March, May and more: footballers scoring in months that match their names | The Knowledge](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/19/march-may-and-more-footballers-scoring-in-months-that-match-their-names) _2026-08-19 · Guardian sport · Football | The Guardian_ Plus: goalkeepers sent off far from their penalty area, and the fastest spot-kicks ever awarded Mail us with your all of your questions and answers “Birmingham’s August Priske scored the only goal at Swansea in the League Cup on 8 August. Can you think of any other examples of players scoring in their namesake months?” wonders Paul Tiffen. Our wonderful readers have managed to cover the entire… ## [Premier League 2026-27 preview No 13: Leeds](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/18/premier-league-2026-27-preview-no-13-leeds) _2026-08-17 · Louise Taylor · Sport | The Guardian_ After keeping Leeds up last season and reaching an FA Cup semi-final, Daniel Farke has good reason to expect further improvement at Elland Road Guardian writers’ predicted position: 12th (NB: this is not necessarily Louise Taylor’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips) Last season’s position: 14th Continue reading... ## [Sydney Swans coach ‘extremely disappointed’ as club faces call on standing down players over alleged sexual assault](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/18/sydney-swans-coach-extremely-disappointed-as-club-faces-call-on-standing-down-players-over-alleged-sexual-assault-ntwnfb) _2026-08-17 · Australian Associated Press · Sport | The Guardian_ Victoria police investigating allegation of sexual assault in the early hours of Monday morning at a Melbourne hotel Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The Sydney Swans coach, Dean Cox, says he is “extremely disappointed” as the team and the AFL face a decision on whether to stand down several Swans players under… ## [Arthur Fery gives Alex de Minaur stern test before bowing out in Cincinnati](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/17/arthur-fery-gives-alex-de-minaur-stern-test-before-bowing-out-in-cincinnati) _2026-08-17 · Tumaini Carayol in Cincinnati · Sport | The Guardian_ Wimbledon semi-finalist loses 7-5, 7-6 in third round Disappointment on day of GB Davis Cup squad call-up The most pertinent question surrounding the rapidly blossoming career of Arthur Fery is exactly how far he could possibly take his game. Fery’s unexpected breakthrough run at Wimbledon last month was immense, but now he faces the intriguing challenge of seeing how he stacks up against the… ## [Rubin Colwill’s last-gasp free-kick earns Cardiff dramatic point against Wrexham](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/wrexham-cardiff-championship-match-report) _2026-08-17 · PA Media · Sport | The Guardian_ Rubin Colwill scored a ferocious equaliser with almost the final kick of the match to earn Cardiff a 1-1 Championship draw with Wrexham. Wrexham appeared to have the Welsh derby bragging rights sewn up as the contest ticked into the eighth minute of added time at Cardiff City Stadium. Continue reading... ## [Fifa chief sacked after criticism of Infantino’s World Cup sell-off plan](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/fifa-chief-sacked-criticism-infantino-world-cup-sell-off-plan-kevin-lamour) _2026-08-17 · Nick Ames · Sport | The Guardian_ Kevin Lamour said Fifa administration was ‘deceived’ Chief operating officer knew he could lose his job The Fifa chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, has been sacked after openly criticising Gianni Infantino’s ill-fated plan to sell parts of the World Cup to private investors. In a significant development at the pinnacle of world football’s deeply troubled governing body, Lamour has departed… ## [Every Channel. One Login. (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/DOghADcOzdHg) _2026-08-17 · **Sponsored**_ 17,000+ live channels, movies and sports on any device. Free trial, no IP lock. ## [Rodri calls it ‘a dream to play for Barcelona’ as he flies in for medical](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/16/rodri-set-to-complete-barcelona-move-after-manchester-city-accept-654m-bid) _2026-08-17 · Mark Dobson · Sport | The Guardian_ Spain midfielder in £65.4m move from Manchester City ‘I’m happy that everything has been resolved’ Rodri has said it is “a dream” to play for Barcelona after landing in Catalonia on Monday to complete his move from Manchester City. Spain’s World Cup-winning captain will have a medical on Tuesday after City accepted Barcelona’s third bid of £65.4m. “Very happy to arrive,” Rodri said at Barcelona’s… ## [NBA blasts ESPN for ‘inaccuracies’ in report on Kawhi Leonard-Clippers investigation](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/17/kawhi-leonard-steve-ballmer-clippers-nba-investigation) _2026-08-17 · Guardian sport and Agencies · Sport | The Guardian_ NBA is looking into claims of salary cap circumvention ESPN says league has no proof owner funneled money Steve Ballmer denies allegations; Leonard trade on hold The NBA has disputed an ESPN report on the league’s investigation into possible salary cap circumvention by the Los Angeles Clippers. On Monday, ESPN reported that, after an 11-month investigation, the NBA was not able to show proof that… ## [Todd Boehly and Mark Walter consider selling Chelsea shares to Clearlake Capital](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/chelsea-todd-boehly-mark-walter-consider-selling-shares-clearlake-capital) _2026-08-17 · Matt Hughes · Sport | The Guardian_ Chelsea chair Boehly and Walter each own about 13% Sale would give Clearlake effective control of club at 86% The Chelsea chair, Todd Boehly, and director Mark Walter are considering selling their shares in the club to the majority owners, Clearlake Capital, in a deal that would give the private equity company complete control at Stamford Bridge. Clearlake, whose investment is managed by Behdad… ## [Sergio’s stunner lights up El Sardinero on Racing Santander’s emotional La Liga return | Sid Lowe](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/sergio-martinez-racing-santander-la-liga-return) _2026-08-17 · Sid Lowe · Sport | The Guardian_ Teenager’s glorious strike made it 2-0 against Villarreal – but though they were pegged back to a draw the match sealed a feelgood return from the abyss “The poor kid couldn’t believe what had happened; none of us could have if we’d just done what he had just done,” said Álvaro Mantilla, Racing Santander’s captain in the match they had longed for more than anything in the world. Which was why the… ## [Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to leave for Juventus in loan deal](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/tottenham-guglielmo-vicario-spurs-juventus-loan-deal-transfer-window) _2026-08-17 · Ed Aarons · Sport | The Guardian_ Vicario has lost No 1 slot at Spurs to Antonin Kinsky Coventry and Ipswich also busy in the market Juventus have agreed a deal with Tottenham for Guglielmo Vicario to join on an initial loan after the Italian side decided against a move for Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez. Vicario is set to leave Spurs having lost his place as Roberto De Zerbi’s No 1 to Antonin Kinsky, with the agreement with… ## [Hunter Bell sets sights on Hodgkinson, Werro and Broeders-Bol in 800m clash of titans](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/17/georgia-hunter-bell-hodgkinson-werro-broeders-bol-800m-athletics-european-championship) _2026-08-17 · Sean Ingle · Sport | The Guardian_ Big Three and Hunter Bell to meet in Zurich next week ‘I am really excited to throw my hat into the ring there’ Georgia Hunter Bell says she is ready to take on the “Big Three” of Audrey Werro, Keely Hodgkinson and Femke Broeders-Bol in a race for the ages over 800m in Zurich next week. Hunter Bell has had an extraordinary season, adding the 1500m European Championship title on Sunday to her… ## [Premier League to allow audio of conversations between players and referees](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/premier-league-allow-audio-conversations-players-referees) _2026-08-17 · Exclusive by Matt Hughes · Sport | The Guardian_ Audio to be used during live broadcasts for first time Move is part of an expansion of the RefCam system The Premier League will permit audio of on-field conversations between players and referees during live broadcasts for the first time this season. The use of audio by the Premier League’s domestic TV rights holders, Sky Sports and TNT Sports, is part of an expansion of the RefCam system, which… ## [Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City opener was startlingly bad](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/marescas-man-city-opener-was-startlingly-bad) _2026-08-17 · Jonathan Wilson · Sport | The Guardian_ The Community Shield isn’t always a sign of things to come, but City’s form in their defeat to Arsenal is concerning in the wake of Pep Guardiola’s departure Sign up for our free newsletter here There are caveats. It was only the Community Shield – and no side has gone on to win the league after lifting the Community Shield since 2018. It was against the league champions, whose pre-season has… ## [Football Daily | Pocognoli looks the part as Scotland’s new boss but a question remains: can he boogie?](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/sebastien-pocognoli-scotland-football-daily-newsletter) _2026-08-17 · Rob Smyth · Sport | The Guardian_ Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now! When Berti Vogts was unveiled as Scotland’s first foreign manager, back in 2002, he had a simple instruction . “When we are playing,” he said, “you can call me Berti McVogts!” Scotland fans preferred a slightly courser sobriquet when, six months later, Scotland went 2-0 down to the Faroe Islands before scrambling a 2-2 draw . Vogts left after… ## [‘I’ll remember it for the rest of my life’: the footballers whose biggest games come before their league begins](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/footballers-games-champions-league-europa-conference-prize-money) _2026-08-17 · Gavin Willacy · Football | The Guardian_ Larne defender Dan Bent has played in two European competitions this summer and now faces a former team in a Conference League tie that could earn his club vital funds By Playing in the Shadows Premier League footballers are gearing up for the start of the season, but some of their fellow professionals in smaller leagues across Europe have been going all summer – even those who play a winter… ## [Fast, secure international transfers (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/oI78efIVCr8G) _2026-08-17 · **Sponsored**_ Bank transfer, cash pickup, mobile wallet — low fees and real-time tracking ## [Arsenal hammer Manchester City and the EFL kicks off | Football Weekly video](https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/aug/17/arsenal-hammer-manchester-city-and-the-efl-kicks-off-football-weekly-video) _2026-08-17 · Football | The Guardian_ Max Rushden is joined by Will Unwin, Sanny Rudravajhala and Ben Fisher as Arsenal coast past Manchester City to win the Community Shield. Continue reading... ## [Premier League 2026-27 preview No 12: Ipswich](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/premier-league-2026-27-preview-no-12-ipswich) _2026-08-17 · Will Unwin · Football | The Guardian_ They have a new manager and a higher net spend than Manchester City, but will that be enough for Ipswich to avoid another yo-yoing relegation? Guardian writers’ predicted position: 19th (NB: this is not necessarily Will Unwin’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips) Last season’s position: 2nd (Championship) Continue reading... ## [Martin Ødegaard happy with Arsenal’s new duo and says team hungry for title defence](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/martin-odegaard-arsenal-new-signings-premier-league-title-defence) _2026-08-17 · Ed Aarons · Sport | The Guardian_ Captain’s praise for new signings Guimarães and Tzolis Arsenal kick off new season against Coventry on Friday Martin Ødegaard has praised the instant impact made by new signings Bruno Guimarães and Christos Tzolis in Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City on Sunday and believes the Premier League champions can compete for multiple trophies this season. Arsenal were hugely… ## [Baller League to no longer be shown live on Sky Sports from next season](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/baller-league-live-sky-sports-season-ksi-prime-fc) _2026-08-17 · Exclusive by Matt Hughes · Sport | The Guardian_ Season 4 of tournament will still be on YouTube KSI’s Prime FC won Season 3 final at the O 2 Arena in May Sky Sports will not broadcast next season’s Baller League, the celebrity six-a-side competition backed by the influencer KSI, the actor Idris Elba and former players including Ian Wright and Alan Shearer. KSI’s Prime FC won last season’s Baller League final at a sold-out O 2 Arena in an event… ## [Claressa Shields has everything – except the rival who could transform her sport](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/17/claressa-shields-has-everything-except-the-rival-who-could-transform-her-sport) _2026-08-17 · AR Shaw at State Farm Arena in Atlanta · Sport | The Guardian_ The American has proved again that she’s in a class of her own. But is that a good thing for her sport? Over the weekend, more than 16,000 fans, including former and current world champions such as Floyd Mayweather, Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson, filled State Farm Arena in Atlanta to witness Claressa Shields dominate Kaye Scott . Shields made quick work of Scott winning by TKO in six… ## [The Hotspot | Extreme heat has changed elite sport this summer – it must adapt to survive](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/17/extreme-heat-elite-sport-adapt-climate-crisis-the-hotspot) _2026-08-17 · Tanya Aldred · Sport | The Guardian_ In today’s newsletter: how climate crisis is affecting athletes and what steps are being taken to protect them from rising temperatures The mercury-shattering European summer pants alongside us on the back straight, looming as we hug the shadows, sweaty sandals on the parched earth. Across Asia, Africa and North America , inhabitants have endured the warmest July of their lives. In Toronto, Alex… ## [Geno Auriemma on UConn’s basketball dynasty: ‘We’ve tried for 40 years to empower women’](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/17/geno-auriemma-uconn-dynasty-paige-bueckers-retirement-interview) _2026-08-17 · Stephanie Kaloi · Sport | The Guardian_ The 12-time national title-winning coach discusses Connecticut’s time on top, his bond with Paige Bueckers, the Pat Summitt rivalry and why he isn’t retiring just yet Let’s get one thing out of the way right from the jump: UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma says he isn’t retiring anytime in the “foreseeable future”. That may come as a relief to fans of the program who have never known anyone else… ## [Football transfer rumours: Manchester City to move for Alexis Mac Allister?](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/football-transfer-rumours-manchester-city-to-move-for-alexis-mac-allister) _2026-08-17 · Will Unwin · Football | The Guardian_ Today’s fluff lacks community spirit After looking a tad silly in the Community Shield loss to Arsenal , with not having a midfield being one problem for Enzo Maresca and the further blow of Rodri’s departure getting closer, Manchester City really need some new blood. A surprise name linked to them is Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool, who may receive a bid in the coming days as City aim to ready… ## [Brighton’s Emilie Joramo: ‘I feel like I’m now in the place I want to be’](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/brightons-emilie-joramo-i-feel-like-im-now-in-the-place-i-want-to-be) _2026-08-17 · Suzanne Wrack · Football | The Guardian_ She’s always been keen on the WSL, and the club have long had their eye on her – now the Norwegian midfielder feels ready to make an impact Emilie Joramo has long had her sights set on the Women’s Super League, but she held herself back from pushing for a move over from Scandinavia – until now. “I’d been interested in the league for a long time now and it was a goal for me to get here one day,”… ## [Premier League 2026-27 preview No 11: Hull City](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/17/premier-league-2026-27-preview-no-11-hull-city) _2026-08-16 · Louise Taylor · Football | The Guardian_ Playoff winners are expected to go back down, but their owner is optimistic and is investing in the squad Guardian writers’ predicted position: 20th (NB: this is not necessarily Louise Taylor’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips) Last season’s position: 6th (Championship) Continue reading... ## [Djokovic’s medical malaise in Cincinnati exposes fraying edges of ageing great’s game](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/16/novak-djokovic-cincinnati-open-2026-tennis-us-open) _2026-08-16 · Tumaini Carayol at the Lindner Family Tennis Center · Sport | The Guardian_ First-round exit for 24-time grand slam winner made for a difficult watch but there is an emerging pattern of saving his best for the big occasion Novak Djokovic walked from the ­stadium court in Cincinnati to the corridor reserved for post-match press interviews practically without breaking stride. The 39-year-old had been cruising up a set and well on his way to a seemingly comfortable victory… ## [Arsenal’s midfield depth signals ominous warning to title rivals – and Maresca’s City | Ed Aarons](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/16/arsenal-manchester-city-community-shield-premier-league) _2026-08-16 · Ed Aarons at the Principality Stadium · Football | The Guardian_ Additions of Guimarães and Tzolis, plus re-emergence of Ødegaard, mean champions start clear favourites after Community Shield win If this was a glimpse of the Premier League’s new order then the rest had better watch out. By the time Martin Ødegaard sat Gianluigi Donnarumma down to make it 3-0 to the champions , the Arsenal party was in full swing. “Can we play you every week?” their supporters… ## [Scotland appoint Pocognoli as successor to Clarke in fresh approach](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/15/scotland-hope-to-name-sebastien-pocognoli-as-new-international-manager) _2026-08-16 · Ewan Murray · Football | The Guardian_ Belgian is the first non-Scot in role since Berti Vogts SFA welcomes ‘aggressive, front-foot style of play’ The Scottish Football Association has appointed the Belgian Sébastien Pocognoli as the successor to Steve Clarke as manager. The 39-year-old, who was sacked by Monaco in June, will become the country’s first non-Scottish manager since Berti Vogts, who was in charge from 2002 to 2004.… ## [Cyclists criticise ‘catastrophic’ safety measures after Finlay Tarling’s death](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/16/finlay-tarling-death-volta-a-portugal-safety-cycling) _2026-08-16 · Jeremy Whittle · Sport | The Guardian_ Riders’ union expresses fury about Volta a Portugal Tarling died after collision with non-race vehicle The professional cycling community has reacted with fury to the death of the teenage Welsh rider, Finlay Tarling , in the Volta a Portugal, with a leading former professional describing the race’s safety measures as “catastrophic”. Tarling, the younger brother of the Netcompany Ineos professional… ## [Flemming’s dramatic Burnley double pegs back West Ham on Championship return](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/16/burnley-west-ham-championship-match-report) _2026-08-16 · Will Unwin at Turf Moor · Football | The Guardian_ There are many good reasons why Burnley and West Ham are performing as Premier League tribute acts, slumming it in the Championship with the hope of a shot at the limelight once more. They are two flawed teams, relegated because of chronic defects, and plenty were on show as West Ham blew a two-goal lead to start life on the second-tier circuit with an entertaining draw. Zian Flemming’s late… ## [Cristiano Ronaldo says this year is ‘probably’ his last as a footballer](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/16/cristiano-ronaldo-says-this-year-is-probably-his-last-as-a-footballer) _2026-08-16 · AFP · Football | The Guardian_ Al-Nassr and Portugal forward expects to retire soon Ronaldo has more than 950 goals for club and country Cristiano Ronaldo believes this year is “probably” his last as a professional footballer, the 41-year-old Portugal captain said in an interview with Vogue magazine published on Sunday. Ronaldo, who has established his place among football’s all-time greats with more than 950 goals for club and… ## [Leicester learn harsh reality of life in League One but youngsters provide silver lining](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/16/leicester-learn-harsh-reality-of-life-league-one-but-youngsters-provide-silver-lining) _2026-08-16 · Will Unwin at Meadow Lane · Football | The Guardian_ Uncertainty about the club’s future was matched by some on the pitch in 1-1 draw with Notts County If Leicester thought this season was going to be the footballing equivalent of a gap year, visiting new places and learning some life lessons before returning home, then they were mistaken. Being outfought and outperformed by Notts County, a well-organised and energetic team promoted from the fourth… ## [End of an era? South Korea’s sun sets in the Premier League but Japan rise](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/16/end-of-era-south-korea-japan-premier-league) _2026-08-16 · John Duerden · Football | The Guardian_ After glory days of Park Ji-sung and Son Heung-min, the new season could be Korean-free for first time since 2005 It has been a cruel summer for South Korea. The national team crashed and burned at the World Cup, the police are investigating the football association, reports have emerged about bribes paid to foreign referees in 2011 and 2012 and there is a real prospect of the English Premier… ## [The Fair Hill Five: horse racing’s bizarre transatlantic betting coup – explained](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/16/fair-hill-five-horse-racing-betting-coup-explained) _2026-08-16 · Bryan Armen Graham · Sport | The Guardian_ Four horses with little record of success suddenly won in the US. A seemingly coordinated betting operation across London did too – and now racing authorities want answers To understand why horse racing on both sides of the pond has been gripped by the Fair Hill Five over the past week, start with a basic principle of betting: when two unlikely horses win in back-to-back races, a wager correctly… ## [Claressa Shields eyes Britain’s Price after stopping Kaye Scott to reclaim titles](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/16/claressa-shields-kaye-scott-middleweight-titles-boxing-atlanta) _2026-08-16 · Guardian sport · Sport | The Guardian_ American stops Sydneysider at 1:38 of sixth round Shields claims WBA and WBC belts after 38lb cut Lauren Price identified as preferred next opponent Claressa Shields completed a remarkable journey from heavyweight to middleweight on Sunday, stopping Australia’s Kaye Scott in the sixth round to capture the WBA and WBC titles. The five-division world champion and double Olympic gold medalist…