Belgium have named former Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel as the new head coach, signing him on a deal that runs until Euro 2028. He replaces Rudi Garcia after the Red Devils’ quarter‑final exit at the 2026 World Cup and will take charge from 15 August, assisted by Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reinier Robbemond.
England’s men’s amputee football team, the reigning Nations League champions, risk missing the upcoming World Cup in Mexico because they have only raised £32,427 of the £50,000 needed. Former coach Scott Rogers called the funding shortfall “criminal” and goalkeeper Thomas Atkinson highlighted the disparity with fully professional nations.
England captain Harry Kane will begin formal negotiations with German champions Bayern Munich to extend his contract, which expires at the end of next season. The 32‑year‑old joined Bayern in 2023 for a reported £86m and has already helped the club win two league titles and a German Cup, while other clubs, including Barcelona and Saudi teams, remain interested.
Wrexham defender Zak Vyner is eager to see first‑hand how popular the club is among American fans as the team embarks on a US pre‑season tour. The tour features games against Leeds United, Liverpool and Sunderland, and Vyner hopes the experience will help him settle into his new club after joining from Bristol City.
Australia midfielder Cristian Volpato was stopped twice for speeding on the Anzac Bridge and allegedly returned a positive cocaine test from an oral fluid sample. The incident comes as he featured for the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with police continuing their investigation.
Inter Miami announced the signing of Brazil midfielder Casemiro on a contract through the 2027 MLS season, but MLS quickly opened a tampering investigation concerning the player’s discovery rights. The club reached a settlement with LA Galaxy over the rights, and the league is reviewing the matter before releasing further details.
Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare halted a pre‑season training session by refusing to leave the pitch, demanding a move to Fiorentina. The club rejected Fiorentina’s bid, having already accepted an offer from Trabzonspor, and coach Cesar Peixoto ended the session. Arokodare will miss the upcoming friendly as Wolves continue their preparation for the Championship.
Spain midfielder Gavi said he does not believe Argentina’s Leandro Paredes should be suspended for his role in the post‑final fracas that erupted after Spain’s 1‑0 World Cup win. The incident involved several Argentine players and staff, and FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation.
Everton have confirmed the signing of Finnish international Jutta Rantala from Leicester City, activating an undisclosed release clause. The 26‑year‑old forward joins a squad that has already added two other former Leicester players this summer as they look to improve on an eighth‑place finish in the Women’s Super League.
Newcastle United are close to completing a transfer for Irish international Leanne Kiernan, who has been with Liverpool for five years. The 27‑year‑old forward, a former WSL 2 top‑scorer, is expected to add attacking depth as Newcastle push for the WSL 2 title.