Marco Bianchi 
Portugal full‑back Joao Cancelo has signed a permanent three‑year deal with Barcelona after ending his contract with Al‑Hilal. The move follows a successful loan spell that helped Barca clinch the La Liga title, and comes as the club also completes other signings this summer.
Organisers of the Edmonton Marathon admitted that the 2026 race route was 674.7 metres too long due to a detour around Wellington Bridge. The extra distance could invalidate runners’ Boston Marathon qualifying times and personal bests, prompting officials to work with Athletics Canada on a solution.
Last season’s Champions League fairytale side Bodo/Glimt secured a 3-1 away victory over NEC Nijmegen, giving them a solid advantage in the two‑legged tie. The win puts the Norwegian club on track to qualify for this year’s Champions League.
Ireland have added all-rounder Arlene Kelly and batter Alice Tector back into their squad after both recovered from injuries that kept them out of the recent West Indies series. The 14‑player group, led by captain Gaby Lewis and coached by Lloyd Tennant, will face England in a three‑match ODI series starting in Leicester on 1 September as part of the ICC Women’s Championship.
Kosta Nedeljkovic has moved to Rangers on a season‑long loan from Aston Villa, with the Glasgow club holding a conditional obligation to purchase the 20‑year‑old right‑back. Manager Derek McInnes praised his athleticism and defensive drive, while Nedeljkovic expressed excitement about joining the big club. He becomes Rangers’ 11th summer signing and will compete for the right‑back position alongside Vanja Dragojevic, Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie.
Former France midfielder Paul Pogba has left AS Monaco after the club terminated his contract a year early. Pogba, who made six appearances last season, thanked the club while Monaco’s CEO Thiago Scuro wished him well and noted the partnership did not meet its objectives.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka cruised past Wang Xinyu in 54 minutes to reach the Cincinnati Open fourth round, while Daniil Medvedev was upset by Brandon Nakashima after missing three match points and losing his temper. The results keep Sabalenka on track for a potential US Open title defense and maintain pressure on her rivals for the world No.1 ranking.
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Jackie Burns, the national team’s number one, has joined newly‑promoted Burnley Women in the Women’s Super League 2. While preparing for life after football, she says she wants to work in player‑care roles to help future players settle into clubs.
During the qualifying session for the 2026 Manx Grand Prix, a crash involving two riders resulted in one competitor sustaining fatal injuries. The incident caused a red flag and the road between Ramsey Bus Station and Lheaney Road was closed for several hours.
Barcelona announced the signing of 30‑year‑old midfielder Rodri from Manchester City for a reported £65 million. The Ballon d’Or winner has agreed a four‑year deal at the Camp Nou, returning to Spanish football after a stint at Atletico Madrid. The transfer follows a rejected £38.5 million offer and ends Real Madrid’s interest.