1. MAN UNITED CLOSING IN ON EDERSON AS FIRST SUMMER SIGNING
Manchester United are on the verge of completing a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson in a move worth an initial £35 million rising to £38 million with add-ons. The Brazilian has agreed personal terms with the club and paused all talks with other interested parties to focus solely on finalising the move to Old Trafford.
Ederson, who was also a target for Atletico Madrid before their interest stalled, is expected to become United's first significant signing of the summer window. A full agreement between the clubs is anticipated by the end of the week. The move had been verbally agreed at around £50 million in late May, with the final fee now settled at a lower figure after further negotiations.
The signing would represent a genuine upgrade in United's midfield and underline the club's intent to rebuild under their current structure heading into the 2026-27 season.
2. SALAH OFFICIALLY LEAVES LIVERPOOL — FREE AGENT AFTER TROPHY-LADEN SPELL
Mohamed Salah has confirmed his departure from Liverpool after his contract expires at the end of June. The Egyptian forward leaves as one of the greatest players in the club's history, having scored prolifically over his time at Anfield. No new club has been officially confirmed, though Saudi Pro League sides have been heavily linked.
Liverpool face a significant task in replacing one of the Premier League's most consistent performers. The club are understood to be assessing multiple targets to fill the void, with a move for RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande among the options being explored by sporting director Richard Hughes.
Salah's departure marks the end of an era on Merseyside. He leaves the club having won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup during his time in England's top flight.
3. BERNARDO SILVA DEPARTS MAN CITY ON FREE — BARCA AND ATLETICO CIRCLE
Bernardo Silva has played his final game for Manchester City after his contract expired. The Portuguese midfielder captained City in a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season on May 24 in what turned out to be a farewell appearance.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are both pursuing Silva and the player is weighing his options before making a decision. Interest has also been registered from Benfica and clubs in Saudi Arabia and MLS. At 31, Silva is expected to favour a move that keeps him at the highest level of European football.
Silva's exit brings to an end a hugely successful spell at the Etihad Stadium. He was one of City's most important players across multiple Premier League title wins and a Champions League triumph.
4. MESSI CONFIRMED FOR RECORD SIXTH WORLD CUP WITH ARGENTINA
Lionel Messi will lead defending champions Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, confirmed after coach Lionel Scaloni named his official 26-man squad. The 38-year-old will make a record-equalling sixth appearance at the World Cup, matching Cristiano Ronaldo who will also feature for Portugal this summer.
Scaloni named a squad containing 17 returnees from the 2022 World Cup-winning group. Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister are all included. Franco Mastantuono, the Real Madrid teenager, missed out.
Argentina begin their title defence in Group C and are among the favourites to go deep in the tournament. For Messi, now 38 and playing for Inter Miami in MLS, this is widely expected to be his last appearance on the World Cup stage.
5. JUNE 1 WORLD CUP SQUAD DEADLINE — ALL 48 NATIONS SUBMIT TODAY
Today marks the official FIFA deadline for all 48 qualified nations to submit their final 26-man squads for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City, giving squads just ten days to finalise preparations before the opening fixture.
Among the nations confirming their lists today are Mexico, Australia, Ecuador and Iran. England named their squad earlier in May, with Thomas Tuchel leaving out Phil Foden and Cole Palmer in favour of Ivan Toney and John Stones. Ghana's Carlos Queiroz is expected to confirm his selection today with Kudus's fitness still a live issue.
The 2026 edition is the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches. It is split across three host nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — and runs until July 19 when the final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
