Sports
Afghanistan defeat UAE by 4 runs in T20I tri-series clash

Afghanistan grabbed a narrow four-run victory over hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the sixth match of the T20I tri-series here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Chasing a daunting 171-run target, the home side could only manage 166/5 despite middle-order batter Asif Khan’s valiant 40-run knock.
The right-handed batter smashed Fareed Ahmad for a four and a six on the first two deliveries of the final over, in which they needed 17 to clinch a sensational victory.
The equation had come down to five needed off three, but Asif could not score on the next two deliveries before the left-arm pacer got him caught at long off.
The hosts got off to a steady start to the pursuit as their opening pair of skipper Muhammad Waseem and in-form Alishan Sharafu registered a 65-run partnership, which culminated with the latter’s dismissal in the seventh over.
Sharafu, who scored a valiant half-century against Pakistan in their previous match, could score a 23-ball 27 against Afghanistan.
Waseem was then involved in a brief 20-run partnership for the second wicket with Muhammad Zohaib until eventually falling victim to Abdollah Ahmadzai in the 11th over after top-scoring with 44 off 29 deliveries, featuring two fours and three sixes.
The hosts then lost two more wickets – Zohaib (23) and Rahul Chopra (seven) – in quick succession and were consequently reduced to 113/4 in 14.3 overs.
Asif and all-rounder Harshit Kaushik (15 not out) then kept UAE in the hunt with a gutsy 53-run stand, but their efforts eventually went in vain.
For Afghanistan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Abdollah Ahmadzai and Fareed picked up one wicket apiece.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan accumulated 170/4 in their allotted 20 overs despite Haider Ali’s economical bowling performance.
Afghanistan got off to a solid start to their innings as Zadran and Gurbaz dominated the UAE bowlers and put together 98 runs during their opening partnership before both perished in successive deliveries.
Gurbaz was dismissed by Muhammad Farooq on the final delivery of the 12th over, while Haider Ali cleaned up Zadran at the start of the next over.
Zadran remained the top scorer for Afghanistan with 48 off just 35 deliveries, studded with three sixes and as many fours, while Gurbaz made a 38-ball 40 with the help of three fours and a six.
Following their back-to-back dismissals, Afghanistan suffered another setback as Mohammad Ishaq was stumped off Simranjeet Singh in the 15th over after scoring a scratchy five off 10 deliveries.
With the scoreboard reading 114/3 in 15 overs, all-rounders Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib raised a crucial partnership, during which they added 24 runs in just 12 deliveries before the former fell victim to Haider.
Janat remained a notable contributor with a 14-ball 28, featuring three sixes and a four.
Naib, alongside fellow all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, ensured a strong finish for Afghanistan as they registered an unbeaten 40-run partnership in just 18 deliveries.
Naib remained unbeaten with a 14-ball 20, while Omarzai made 14 not out from nine deliveries.
For UAE, Haider led the bowling charge with two wickets, while Simranjeet and Farooq chipped in with one scalp apiece.
Sports
Women’s transfer grades: Chelsea get an A for Thompson

A record $15.6 million was spent on international women’s transfers in 2024, according to a FIFA report, more than doubling the previous mark in 2023, and 2025 will break more records.
To start 2025, we had a world-record fee ($1.1m) as USWNT defender Naomi Girma moved to Chelsea in January, then it was broken in July as Arsenal paid $1.36m to sign Olivia Smith from Liverpool, then again when London City signed Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain for $1.9m.
Here are grades for all the major summer transfers in the European women’s game, with each listed in order of date and then highest fee.
All fees are reported unless confirmed with an asterisk.
Sept. 4
Grace Geyoro
€1.65m (£1.4m, $1.9m)
PSG: C+
London City: A
If anyone were in doubt about London City’s ambitions for this season, the arrival of Geyoro for a world-record fee should see to that. It is no longer just about survival for the newly promoted side, it is about winning and their summer business has put them in a position to challenge for a Champions League place.
With more than 100 France caps to her name, Geyoro is an outstanding talent and will bring plenty of quality to Jocelyn Precheur’s side. At the other end of the experience spectrum, Lucía Corrales — who joins the club from Barcelona for around £430,000 — will be a valuable option on the left flank.
2:16
Keogh: Thompson to Chelsea a ‘big loss’ for the NWSL
Emily Keogh talks about USWNT forward Alyssa Thompson’s potential move to Chelsea from Angel City.
Alyssa Thompson
£960,000 ($1.3m)
Angel City: C
Chelsea: A
Chelsea are no strangers to recruiting the world’s best talent but the signing of Thompson is arguably the biggest coup of the window. The 20-year-old is an outstanding player, having become the first high schooler to be drafted first in NWSL history back in 2023. It is a huge blow for the NWSL to lose the United States international, but their loss is the WSL’s game, and she could prove to be the missing puzzle piece for Bompastor’s side as they look to clinch that elusive UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
Grace Clinton
Undisclosed
Man United: C
Man City: A
After returning to Manchester following an outstanding loan spell at Tottenham last summer, Clinton was viewed as one of United’s most exciting stars. That, only a year later, she is joining their archrivals is a huge blow for Marc Skinner and his team.
A dynamic, athletically-gifted midfielder, Clinton will be a huge asset to City in attack as they seek to end Chelsea’s stranglehold on the WSL title. — BL
Jess Park
Undisclosed
Man City: B-
Man United: A
Park is an outstanding talent who already has plenty of WSL experience under her belt. She is Manchester City through and through and so it is a shame to see her move on from the club she joined as a teenager back in 2017. That said, she seemed to stagnate slightly last season and so the change of environment could be beneficial to her, and to United. — BL
Emilia Szymczak
Loan
Barcelona: B
Liverpool: B
It has been a tricky summer for Liverpool, who lost their creative spark when Smith joined Arsenal for a club-record fee. While Szymczak is a different kind of player, she could help make a real difference to the Reds’ attack this term.
Despite having largely been limited to appearances for Barcelona’s B team, the 19-year-old already has 14 caps for Poland and represented her country at Euro 2025. It could end up being a really smart deal for all parties.
Lia Wälti
Free
Juventus: A
You would be hard-pressed to find anybody in football with a bad word to say about Wälti. Across her seven years at Arsenal, the 32-year-old established herself as one of the best midfielders in Europe and it is fitting that her final act for the Gunners was to win the Champions League last season. It is clear the player felt she would struggle for minutes in North London this season and Juventus have got themselves a gem of a player, fresh off the back of a summer in which Walti helped her native Switzerland make history by reaching the knockout stages of the Euros for the first time ever.
Sept. 3
Ruby Mace
Undisclosed
Leicester: C
Everton: A
Mace has long been regarded as one of the brightest young talents in English football and the fact she has joined Everton for a club-record fee attests to that. The 22-year-old already has plenty of WSL experience under her belt and has also been capped to England. She will bring grit, quality and dynamism to Everton’s midfield.
For Leicester, her departure continues a disappointing summer, however the transfer fee could be useful in helping to bolster the ranks going forward.
Aug. 29
Hayley Raso
Undisclosed
Tottenham: B-
Eintracht Frankfurt: B
Raso was viewed as a really exciting signing for Tottenham last season, but she struggled to really hit the heights during her time at Brisbane Road. Still, she is a hugely talented player with 99 Australia caps to her name and will bring bags of experience and quality to a Frankfurt side bidding to win the Frauen-Bundesliga title. — BL
Aug. 27
Katie Zelem
Undisclosed
Angel City: B-
London City: B+
When it comes to experienced, WSL-proven midfielders, you can’t get much better than Zelem. The 29-year-old won the title twice with Liverpool and captained Manchester United to FA Cup glory. She has also represented England on the international stage and now has experience of playing in the NWSL. All of these factors could prove hugely useful to London City as they try to establish themselves as a force in the top flight. — BL
Alanna Kennedy
Undisclosed
Angel City: B-
London City: B+
As with Zelem, Kennedy arrives at London City with bags of experience under her belt, both domestically and internationally. Strong in the air and composed on the ball, Kennedy is a natural leader and has over 100 caps for the Australia national team. She is another shrewd signing for the newly promoted side. — BL
Aug. 26
Julia Bartel
Loan
Chelsea: A
Atletico: B
So far, it’s been a tricky start to life in English football for Bartel. She arrived at Chelsea as a highly rated young player, but struggled for game time last term, making just two appearances for Sonia Bompastor’s side before being loaned out to Liverpool in January.
Even on Merseyside, Bartel struggled to establish herself as a regular, however a return to her native Spain might be just what she needs to help her rediscover her best form. — BL
Aug. 25
Giulia Dragoni
Loan
Barcelona: B
Roma: A
Dragoni was an integral part of Roma’s midfield last season, making 43 appearances across all competitions and scoring six goals. An injury at the end of last season prevented her from starring for Italy at Euro 2025 over the summer, however she already has impressive international pedigree, becoming the youngest player to play in a World Cup for Italy, aged only 16 years and 259 days.
For Barcelona, it’s an opportunity for the 18-year-old to continue getting valuable minutes under her belt; though considering how light their squad is this season, she could have been a valuable option off the bench. — BL
Aug. 19
Michelle Agyemang
Loan
Arsenal: A
Brighton & Hove Albion: A
The 19-year-old striker was England’s saving grace from off the bench during Euro 2025, but Arsenal had a dilemma on their hands when she returned: keep her within their ranks but risk limited game-time, or send her on loan where they will have less control over her development?
Agyemang spent last season on loan at Brighton and while she did not get as much playing time as hoped, she was able to develop certain areas of her game. Brighton were keen to have her support then-striker Nikita Parris last season, but Agyemang can take on a more prominent role now Parris has moved on.
It’s a positive move for both clubs. Brighton get an exceptionally talented forward to aid their campaign; Arsenal will get to reap the reward next season of having their “agent of chaos” develop into a starting WSL striker. — EK
Aug. 15
Fridolina Rolfo
Free
Manchester United: B
A player of Rolfo’s class isn’t always available on a free transfer, but Barcelona are struggling with financial issues and reportedly took the decision to let the 31-year-old Sweden forward go a year before the end of her contract to open up space on their wage bill. Their loss is United’s gain and her experience winning trophies at Bayern, Wolfsburg and Barcelona should help take them to the next level. — EK
Aug. 1
Maelys Mpomé
Undisclosed
Chelsea: B
Brighton & Hove Albion: B
With so many experienced internationals taking the starting defensive slots, it was always going to be a big ask for Mpomé to break into the side. Though it has been Chelsea’s plan to sign young talent, the France youth international has not worked for the system, making only two starts in five WSL games and made two appearances off the bench in the Champions League. With young players like Veerle Buurman returning from loan and poised to move ahead of Mpomé in manager Sonia Bompastor’s plans, it is a smart move to secure a permanent transfer as a loan would only prolong the inevitable exit for the 22-year-old.
Brighton are getting a capable and highly respected defender, though having faced limited minutes last season, it may take a bit of time to return the former Montpellier centre-back to her normal standard.. — EK
Aug. 1
Julia Zigiotti Olme
Undisclosed
Bayern Munich: B
Manchester United: A
For Manchester United fans, it’s been a long wait to seal their first summer transfer but, in Zigotti Olme, they have signed a real talent. The defensive midfielder was one of Sweden’s standout performers at Euro 2025, and she knows the WSL well having previously enjoyed a two-year spell with Brighton & Hove Albion. Her work rate will be a real asset for United as they seek to close the gap on champions Chelsea.
The 27-year-old also arrives in Manchester with experience of winning trophies, including helping Bayern to a league and cup double last season. She made 16 appearances in the Frauen-Bundesliga, and another five in the Champions League. — BL
Elena Linari
Undisclosed
Roma: C
London City Lionesses: A
London City Lionesses have done some very shrewd business this summer and the signing of Italy international Linari is no exception. The defender has picked up the Serie A title on five occasions (twice with Brescia, once with Fiorentina and twice with Roma) and won the Coppa Italia six times (twice at each of those teams).
She was named in the Serie A team of the year on three occasions during her time with Roma and was one of the standout stars of Italy’s impressive run to the semifinals of Euro 2025. A born leader with plenty of experience, the 31-year-old is the sort of signing that could be key to London City’s survival in the WSL. — BL
0:28
Wholesome reaction as Nikita Paris learns of Maisie Symonds’ England call-up
Nikita Paris was full of joy as she learned of Brighton teammate Maisie Symonds’ England call-up.
July 26
Nikita Parris
Free
London City Lionesses: B
This is a bit of a lateral move for the veteran forward. Moving from a midtable WSL team to a promoted one will provide little difference for her in terms of game minutes. Having missed out on a place at the Euros, it’s unlikely the move will reignite her England career. It is great for London City to bolster their side with seasoned players, as experience will help needed during their debut campaign. Brighton was a productive move for Parris, and after only one season an exit seems slightly premature, especially if Michele Kang’s Lionesses will be fighting against relegation next term. — EK
July 18
Sam Kerr
Undisclosed
Bayern Munich: B
Liverpool: B+
Despite winning the Bundesliga title during her time with Bayern, it never really worked out for Kerr in Germany. In January, she was deemed surplus to requirements and was allowed to join Liverpool on loan. It always felt like an exit was likely this summer and, with the midfielder having penned a contract with Bayern until 2026, the German side will have managed to recoup a fee. For Liverpool, signing Kerr permanently was a no brainer. There is lots of upheaval for the Reds at the moment, with their hunt for a manager ongoing, and so retaining the services of a player who settled in quickly last term makes total sense. — BL
Martina Fernandez
Undisclosed
Barcelona: B
Everton: A
It’s been a tricky couple of years for Everton. A succession of injuries to key players, coupled with financial restrictions behind the scenes, has made it hard for Brian Sorensen’s side to really kick on. But, with new owners The Friedkin Group now in place, the club are starting to really make moves in the transfer window.
With opportunities limited at Barcelona, Fernandez joined Everton on loan in January and impressed so much she was named the club’s young player of the season. She played every minute of the 12 WSL games she was available for and, at just 20, looks to be a shrewd permanent addition. — BL
0:52
What made Olivia Smith the first £1 million player
A look at the numbers behind Olivia Smith’s season at Liverpool, after Arsenal announced the 20-year-old’s world record transfer.
July 17
Olivia Smith
£1m ($1.36m)
Liverpool: B
Arsenal: A
Liverpool set a high asking price, and for good reason. At 20, Smith is already an experienced and prolific winger, yet to enter the best years of her career. She was crucial to Liverpool’s campaign last season and, as she had two years left on her contract, the demand was always going to be high. The Reds were reluctant to part ways with her, but £1m for a club with a historically stringent budget will do wonders for the calibre of player they can now bring in.
Lyon and Chelsea were both keen, but neither were willing to match the world-record requirement. Arsenal did and it is a solid statement from the Gunners who have previously had world-record bits rejected for the likes of Alessia Russo, Mary Earps, Naomi Girma and Keira Walsh. After winning the Champions League, they needed a statement signing to solidify their plans to continue European dominance. But, with competition on the wing from recent signing Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead, who has one season left on her contract, keeping all three happy and rotated may not be the easiest task.
Smith will not have left a team like Liverpool, who were willing to build a squad around her, to sit on the bench in north London. Some have queried whether the fee is too high for such a young player, but as quickly as the women’s transfer market is growing, that fee could easily double in a year or two, making it a smart investment. Arsenal also need to bring their age profile down, so introducing Smith will gradually help transition the squad. — EK
July 15
Anneke Borbe
Free
Arsenal: B
Borbe enjoyed an impressive season for Wolfsburg last term. The 24-year-old goalkeeper made 15 appearances in all competitions for the German side, establishing herself as their first-choice in February this year and helping them to reach the Women’s Champions League quarterfinals. For Wolfsburg, losing her on a free transfer is a blow. But their loss is Arsenal’s gain. While Borbe isn’t a marquee signing, she will provide competition for No. 1 Daphne van Domselaar and will be a solid backup as the Gunners look to challenge on multiple fronts. — BL
July 9
Sydney Lohmann
Undisclosed
Bayern Munich: B-
Manchester City: B+
Lohmann has spent all of her professional career to date with Bayern, having made her debut as a 16-year-old, so it makes sense that she would want a new challenge. She won six major honors, during her time in Bavaria, including four Bundesliga titles, and Bayern will miss her quality and experience. From City’s perspective, though, Lohmann is an excellent addition. The midfielder has already proved herself on both the domestic and international stage and, while she might not necessarily take the team to the next level, she will provide important depth and, crucially, a goal-scoring threat following the departure of midfielder Jill Roord to FC Twente. — BL
July 8
Lily Yohannes
€450,000
Ajax: A
OL Lyonnes: A
As a smaller club, Ajax were always going to struggle to hold on to a potential superstar like Yohannes. Like those in lower-ranked leagues or teams, the lure of the big sides, with higher salaries, more opportunities and more competition, always wins. But Ajax got a hefty transfer fee for the 18-year-old USWNT star which will serve the club well to bring in replacements as they look to push on in their European journey.
Lyonnes were in competition with Chelsea to sign Yohannes, but weren’t willing to match Lyon’s highly competitive offer. They’re getting an exceptionally talented wonderkid with Champions League experience, with a high commercial value too, given her ties with the USWNT. Lyon are also able to integrate younger players into the first team a lot quicker than Chelsea can, meaning Yohannes is likely to gain a starting role far sooner than if she had moved to west London. It’s a good signing for all parties involved. — EK
Poppy Pattinson
Free
London City Lionesses: B+
Pattinson has been close to an ever present for Brighton across her three seasons at the club, so losing her on a free transfer isn’t perhaps the smartest piece of business from Dario Vidosic’s side. For London City, however, her arrival is another real statement of intent as the club look to establish themselves as WSL mainstays following their promotion from the second tier. Pattinson is a vastly experienced left-back and should bring the team plenty of quality and knowhow as they bid for survival next term. — BL
Ellie Roebuck
Free
Aston Villa: A
Roebuck has had a tough few seasons. After being left on the bench at Manchester City, she joined Barcelona in 2024, but suffered a stroke and has faced issues getting game time ever since. Indeed, the 25-year-old has made only two appearances since the end of the 2022-23 season. It’s unfortunate that the Catalans could not make the move work as, at one point, she was destined to be the next top goalkeeper in Europe and for England — though she has not featured for the Lionesses in over two years.
The move will great for getting Roebuck’s confidence and minutes up, while Villa are looking to build on some tough recent seasons, so a seasoned professional in between the sticks will surely help their cause. — EK
July 7
Becky Spencer
Undisclosed
Tottenham: B
Chelsea: B+
This is a deal that makes a lot of sense for all parties. At 34, Spencer is a hugely experienced goalkeeper — hence why Chelsea moved to bring her in as emergency goalkeeper cover back in March. It is unsurprising that the deal has now been made permanent. With Zecira Musovic having announced her pregnancy in February 2025, Chelsea were in need of a capable deputy for No.1 Hannah Hampton. Having fallen behind Eleanor Heeps and Lize Kop in the pecking order at Tottenham, Spencer will be on standby to step in as Chelsea look to challenge for the game’s biggest prizes. — BL
Taylor Hinds
Free
Arsenal: B+
Hinds leaving Liverpool, where she was captain and a sure starter, for a club where she’ll have to fight for game time is an interesting one. The Jamaica international’s contract expired in Merseyside despite being offered a new deal.
While a move to the European champions will provide a greater challenge, Hinds may see a significant drop in game time as U.S. international Emily Fox has secured her place in the right-back role. Arsenal also have their leadership team locked down with Kim Little, Leah Williamson and Katie McCabe so she’ll unlikely take a captaincy role but adding another player capable of stepping up is never a bad thing. Though some rotation to give Fox some rest will provide Hinds with opportunities to play, the 26-year-old may become quite restless confined to the bench next season. — EK
Teyah Goldie
Free
London City Lionesses: A-
It’s been a really difficult few years for Goldie. The Arsenal academy product has twice ruptured her ACL, which significantly limited her opportunities at the Emirates. However, she enjoyed an excellent season on loan at London City last term, scooping up the club’s young player of the season award and helping them to promotion. At just 21, she has plenty of room to develop and could be a real asset as the club battle to avoid the drop. — BL
July 4
Korbin Albert
Free
OL Lyonnes: A
For PSG, losing a player to bitter rivals Lyonnes is nothing new and, having lost out to the eight-time Champions League winners in both the regular season and the Première Ligue playoff final last term, Albert’s departure is another blow. The 21-year-old USWNT midfielder scored 12 goals in 71 appearances during her time in the French capital and already has the makings of a top player. She adds to Lyonnes’s already impressive squad depth and will make it even harder for PSG to challenge for the title next season. — BL
July 2
Ellie Carpenter
Undisclosed
Lyon: C-
Chelsea: B-
Lyon are losing an experienced defender, even though Carpenter is only 25. She is one of several departures this summer, as the squad look to shift to younger talent with Jonathan Giraldez’s arrival as manager, but it feels like poor business to let such a talented right-back depart.
She will reunite with former manager Sonia Bompastor in London, and while Chelsea signed Lucy Bronze at right back last season, Carpenter will serve as succession planning for the 33-year-old. But as a regular starter for a top European side already, the Australia international will not be happy sitting on the bench and neither will Bronze, so keeping everyone happy will be a tough task. Despite it being a very positive addition for Chelsea, the risk of upsetting the harmony and balance in the squad reduces the grade. — EK
Chloe Kelly
Free
Arsenal: A
While Kelly left Man City on loan to rejoin her childhood club in January, there was little chance that the forward would remain at City after the expiry of her contract. The relationship between the England winger and the club broke down and, amid an injury crisis, the loss of a fast and experienced forward left City in a worse place, while she went on to win the Champions League with the Gunners. It’s a great piece of business for Arsenal, and while Man City bade farewell to Kelly back in January, the public fallout may not help their prospect of making future signings. — EK
1:16
How Chelsea celebrated making Women’s Super League history
Emily Keogh reacts to Chelsea claiming their sixth consecutive WSL title following an unbeaten season under Sonia Bompastor.
July 1
Ashley Lawrence
Undisclosed
Chelsea: B
Lyon: A
Lawrence had a productive start to her time in London, but she never really broke into the side. With other players starting ahead of her, a transfer for the Canada international is the right choice to allow her more game time, though it’s a slightly negative reflection on Bompastor as former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes had a knack for rotating to keep everyone happy.
With Ellie Carpenter leaving, Lawrence plugs a gap that needed filling, so it is a smart piece of business for both clubs. With her Champions League experience at PSG and Chelsea, she’ll be an asset to this new-look Lyon team. — EK
Jill Roord
Undisclosed
Man City: D
FC Twente: A
In a strange turn of events, Roord requested a move back to the Netherlands with a year left on her contract. She will be a monumental loss for City. Still, the 28-year-old midfielder is a great signing for the Dutch side as they look to compete in the Champions League and domestically. — EK
Marie-Antoinette Katoto
Free
OL Lyonnes: A
It’s a pretty big loss for PSG as Katoto, one of the best strikers in the world at 26, went to a direct rival on a free transfer. It’s a sore one, too, after OL Lyonnes acquired Kadidiatou Diani from Paris last season. With OL Lyonnes paying high wages thanks to owner Michele Kang and money from their previous European domination, this likely won’t be the last time PSG lose out on a player, or a fee, to their rival. It’s poor business from PSG that they still can’t compete. — EK
Jule Brand
Free
OL Lyonnes: A
Brand is 21 and already one of the most promising wingers in Europe. Her ability to run at defenders and create issues in the opposition box makes her a varied attacking threat, and OL Lyonnes can be happy with the deal — especially because it’s a free transfer. Wolfsburg, however, have lost a lot of their stars already and are in transition. But this one might hurt the most. — EK
1:32
Keogh: Van de Donk deal first of many for London City
Emily Keogh reacts to WSL newcomers London City Lionesses making their first signing of the summer in midfielder Daniëlle van de Donk.
Daniëlle van de Donk
Free
London City Lionesses: A
After four years in France, the 33-year-old has returned to England, and a move to WSL debutants London City (which sees her stay with Kang’s franchise of clubs) will give them great experience. The Netherlands international spent six years in England with Arsenal and knows the depth of competitiveness and quality it takes to play in the WSL. Her departure from Lyonnes also creates space for the club to bring in younger players as they look to reduce the average age of their squad. — EK
Ingrid Engen
Free
OL Lyonnes: A-
Having played most of her career in midfield, the Norway international excelled at center back with Barcelona during Mapi Leon’s injury. But upon Leon’s return, Engen returned to the bench and struggled for playing time, so her exit is unsurprising. Barcelona’s inability to negotiate a fee from OL Lyonnes isn’t the best business, but the 27-year-old will reunite with Jonatan Giráldez in France and will fill the gap left by the departing Van de Donk. — EK
Sara Däbritz
Free
Real Madrid: A
Real Madrid are getting a seasoned professional who knows what it takes to win. With Madrid still not matching Barcelona’s dominance in Liga F, Däbritz might get them a step closer. For OL Lyonnes, moving on from a 30-year-old fits their plan of investing and embedding younger talent as they try to bring down the average age of their squad under Giráldez. — EK
Olga Carmona
Free
PSG: B
It’s a big loss for Real Madrid to say goodbye to their former captain, especially to a Champions League rival whom they will likely face at some point in the new format of the competition. Though PSG often struggle to fend off competition for their top players, Real Madrid have an equally poor track record of keeping theirs. It should be a positive step for Carmona, 25, if she can retain a starting role, but it seems more of a lateral move than anything that will greatly advance her career. — EK
Lina Hurtig
Free
Fiorentina: A
It was no surprise that Hurtig’s contract was not extended in north London, and the Sweden international chose to leave. Indeed, Hurtig struggled throughout her three-year stay and though she can be a great talent, Arsenal could not get enough out of her, so it was the right choice to part ways. Fiorentina are getting a Champions League winner for nothing, which is a massive boost for the Italian side. — EK
Laia Aleixandri
Free
Barcelona: A
City have lost a key and versatile player, who stepped up to take the captaincy in the absence of Alex Greenwood. Part of the core leadership group at City, Aleixandri and Roord will be hard to replace. But it’s a great signing for Barcelona, who lost Engen to OL Lyonnes. — EK
June 22
Iman Beney
Undisclosed
BSC YB Frauen: B-
Man City: A-
A very exciting move for a young player. Joining a better club was always expected for the 18-year-old Beney, who wanted to recover from her ACL injury with her former club before looking for a new challenge. City have spots that need to be filled, and the young forward from Switzerland will bring some drive and hunger to the side. The fee City paid will also help Young Boys Frauen a lot financially. — EK
June 18
Jade Rose
Undisclosed
Harvard University: C
Man City: A+
Rose’s time at university was coming to an end and, after facing tough competition from other WSL sides, City secured her signature. It is a great move for a young and promising defender who is already rooted in Canada’s national team setup. The move plugs a much-needed gap in City’s defense after the loss of Aleixandri, and the long-term development of the 22-year-old will likely pay dividends. — EK
Livia Peng
Undisclosed
Werder Bremen: B
Chelsea: C
Though Chelsea’s plan is to create a pipeline of young talent over the next four years, it is hard to see where Peng fits into this. She’s 22 and, with Chelsea having also signed 20-year-old Femke Liefting and with academy graduate Katie Cox on the books, too, Peng will struggle for playing time. It is unlikely she’ll play in the first season, but it is hard to see her breaking into the team after that, with Hannah Hampton firmly holding the starting spot and two young players also vying for a chance. Peng is competing for the No. 1 spot with Elvira Herzog for the Switzerland national team, and a lack of minutes with her new club won’t help her case. — EK
Mara Alber
Undisclosed
Hoffenheim: B-
Chelsea: B
Another youngster who is part of Chelsea’s future planning, Alber is also unlikely to play much in her first season, but with time and a four-year deal, it is easy to see her breaking into the lineup in a season or two. Though she’s 19, a loan move would be ideal to keep her progressing before she gets her chance to shine in West London. Hoffenheim have lost a key player who would have been a shining star, though these less-competitive clubs will struggle to fend off interest from the top European sides. — EK
Sports
NCAA volleyball: How to watch Stanford-Texas, Illinois-Louisville

Four of the premier women’s volleyball programs in the country will be in action Sunday afternoon in a doubleheader available in the all-new ESPN app.
The 2022 and 2023 national champion Texas Longhorns host the Stanford Cardinal in the first matchup. Stanford, which has won the most NCAA Division I women’s volleyball titles with nine, looks to get back to the top of the sport for the first time since 2019.
Louisville, which was the national champion runner-up in 2022 and 2024, welcomes 2011 national champion runner-up Illinois in the second showdown.
Here are key facts about the NCAA women’s volleyball doubleheader:
What is the schedule?
*All times Eastern
Sunday, Sept. 7
Stanford at Texas – 1 p.m. on ESPN
Illinois at Louisville – 3 p.m. on ESPN
How can fans watch?
Fans can catch all the action in the NCAA volleyball streaming hub.
How can fans access more college sports coverage from ESPN?
Check out the ESPN college sports hub page for the latest news, analysis, scores, rankings and more.
Sports
Tyson, Mayweather Jr. to compete in exhibition

Boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. agreed to compete in an exhibition match next spring. The event will be put on by CSI Sports/Fight Sports, but details regarding a location, date and where the fight will be broadcast have yet to be determined.
“I’ve been doing this for 30 years, and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy,” Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) said in a news release. “You already know that if I am going to do something, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be legendary. I’m the best in the business of boxing. This exhibition will give the fans what they want.”
Mayweather, 48, retired after knocking out MMA superstar Conor McGregor in 2017. He has since competed in eight exhibition fights, with his most recent against John Gotti III in August 2024.
Though his bout with Logan Paul was the biggest of his exhibitions to this point, stepping into the ring with former heavyweight champion Tyson (59-7, 44 KOs) is certain to dwarf his previous engagements.
Tyson, 59, last competed in a professional boxing match against Jake Paul in November 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It was the first time the former heavyweight champion had competed in nearly two decades. The event was a massive success, with 65 million concurrent viewers on Netflix, making it the most-streamed sporting event ever. Tyson lost a unanimous decision to Paul and was far from his devastating form during his heyday.
Tyson recently told ESPN that he had interest in competing in another fight if the right opportunity presented itself.
“When CSI came to me about stepping in the ring with Floyd Mayweather, I thought, ‘No way this happens,’ but Floyd said yes,” Tyson said. “This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen. However, boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable — and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets.
“I still can’t believe Floyd wants to really do this. It’s going to be detrimental to his health, but he wants to do it, so it’s signed and it’s happening!”
Tyson weighed 228.4 pounds in his fight against Paul; Mayweather tipped the scales at 160.8 pounds against Gotti.
“Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather are two of the most compelling names and personalities, with lasting legacies, in all of sports. They are 21st-century icons,” said Richard and Craig Miele, co-founders of CSI Sports/Fight Sports. “Tyson vs. Mayweather will break every broadcast, streaming and economic record set by Mike Tyson in 2024. We are planning a robust promotional campaign complete with weekly premium storytelling and worldwide marketing reach. The event itself will be in a world-class venue and be presented to a global audience with new in-ring technology elements that will reshape how boxing is presented, and scoring is achieved, for years to come.”
Details regarding the number of rounds, weight and more will be revealed at a later date.
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