European football clubs gear up for new season with transfers and preseason matches

England's Chelsea confirmed the £117 million signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, making him the most expensive English player. French club Lyon are also reported to be negotiating for Czech international Pavel Šulc, with a €25 million price tag.

In the Czech Republic, several clubs announced new signings and played preseason fixtures. FC Sellier & Bellot Vlašim added Samuel Pikolon on loan and Marek Naskos on transfer. MFK Karviná, after a corruption scandal, prepared for the second division, aiming for promotion. Artis Brno reinforced its defence with Swedish midfielder Adam Carlén. TJ Sokol Nesovice hired coach Petr Krahulec and bolstered its squad with twin forwards Marek and Ondřej Vintrovi.

Pre‑season results included Mladá Boleslav’s 4‑0 win over Austrian side Ried, FC Vysočina Jihlava’s 0‑5 defeat by Pardubice, Kladno’s 4‑1 victory over Chomutov and a win against Israeli club Hapoel, and Karviná’s 2‑1 comeback win over Ruch Chorzów.

Separately, Slovak champions ŠK Slovan Bratislava were drawn against Georgian side FC Iberia 1999 Tbilisi in the Champions League second qualifying round, with a possible third‑round opponent being the winner of Mjällby AIF versus Lincoln Red Imps.