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Ao vencer a Copa do Brasil 2023, o São Paulo saiu da fila de espera e voltou a vencer um título nacional após 15 anos. Antes, a última conquista do Tricolor Paulista havia sido o Brasileirão de 2008, considerando apenas competições oficiais do país. O Lance! listou os maiores jejuns de títulos nacionais entre os times já campeões no Brasil.

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Foram levados em consideração apenas campeonatos da elite do futebol brasileiro, como o Brasileirão Série A, a Copa do Brasil, a Supercopa do Brasil e a extinta Copa dos Campeões. Campeonatos de acesso como Série B, C ou D, campeonatos regionais, como Copa Verde e Copa do Nordeste, e campeonatos estaduais não foram levados em consideração, assim como torneios internacionais.

Confira a lista dos maiores jejuns de títulos nacionais entre os clubes já campeões

1) Guarani – 45 anos

O Guarani foi campeão brasileiro em 1978 e, desde então, não conquistou outros títulos de relevância nacional. Assim, o bugre é o clube já campeão com o maior jejum de conquistas.

2) Bahia – 35 anos

Primeiro time da Serie A na lista, o Bahia conquistou o Brasileirão de 1988, há 35 anos, tendo o segundo maior jejum de títulos nacionais.

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3) Coritiba – 38 anos

O Coritiba foi campeão brasileiro em 1985, até hoje o único título da elite nacional do clube. Em 2011 e 2012, foi vice-campeão da Copa do Brasil, batendo na trave dois anos consecutivos.

4) Criciúma – 32 anos

Campeão da Copa do Brasil em 1991, o Criciúma possui apenas um título nacional, conquistado há 32 anos.

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5) Internacional – 31 anos

O Internacional não vence um título nacional desde 1992, quando conquistou a Copa do Brasil. Foi vice-campeão brasileiro em 2005, 2006, 2009, 2020 e 2022 e da Copa do Brasil em 2009 e 2019.

6) Botafogo – 28 anos

O Botafogo conquistou um título nacional pela última vez em 1995, quando venceu o Campeonato Brasileiro. Em 2023, tem a chance de quebrar a escrita, já que lidera o Brasileirão com boa vantagem.

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7) Juventude – 24 anos

O Juventude foi campeão da Copa do Brasil em 1999, derrotando o Botafogo na final. Este é o único título nacional do clube gaúcho.

8) Paysandu – 21 anos

Único clube do norte a conquistar um título nacional, o Paysandu foi campeão da extinta Copa dos Campeões, em 2002.

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9) Santo André – 19 anos

O Santo André conquistou a Copa do Brasil em 2004, vencendo o Flamengo no Maracanã na final.

10) Paulista – 18 anos

O Paulista de Jundiaí foi campeão da Copa do Brasil em 2005, derrotando o Fluminense na decisão.

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11) Sport – 15 anos

O Sport não vence um título nacional de elite desde 2008, quando conquistou a Copa do Brasil sobre o Corinthians.

12) Santos – 13 anos

O último título nacional do Santos veio em 2010, com a conquista da Copa do Brasil.

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13) Vasco – 12 anos

O Vasco da Gama não conquista um título da elite do futebol nacional desde a Copa do Brasil de 2011.

14) Fluminense – 11 anos

O Fluminense está há 11 anos sem conquistar um título nacional, desde que venceu o Brasileirão de 2012.

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15) Grêmio – 7 anos

O Grêmio não vence uma competição nacional desde 2016, quando conquistou o pentacampeonato da Copa do Brasil.

16) Corinthians – 6 anos

O último título nacional do Corinthians foi o Campeonato Brasileiro de 2017. Desde então, foi vice-campeão da Copa do Brasil em 2018 e 2022.

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17) Cruzeiro – 5 anos

O Cruzeiro não vence um título da elite do futebol nacional desde 2018, quando levou o título da Copa do Brasil.

18) Athletico-PR – 4 anos

Sensação do futebol brasileiro nos últimos anos, o Athletico Paranaense conquistou seu título nacional mais recente em 2019, com o título da Copa do Brasil.

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19) Atlético-MG – 1 ano

O Atlético-MG teve seu último título nacional no início de 2022, com a conquista da Supercopa do Brasil sobre o Flamengo.

20) Flamengo – 1 ano

O Flamengo foi campeão da Copa do Brasil em 2022, seu último título de importância nacional. Em 2023, foi vice-campeão da Supercopa e da própria Copa do Brasil.

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21) Palmeiras – 9 meses

O Palmeiras conquistou seu último título nacional ainda em 2023, com a conquista da Supercopa do Brasil sobre o Flamengo.

22) São Paulo – recém campeão

O São Paulo é o mais recente campeão nacional, já que conquistou o título da Copa do Brasil em setembro de 2023.

Opener Michael Levitt’s breezy 90 helped Netherlands beat Scotland by 17 runs in a high-scoring contest in the T20I tri-series in Glasgow on Wednesday. His 57-ball innings lifted Netherlands to 198 for 7 after they were asked to bat. In reply, Scotland managed only 181 for 9 on the back of Brandon McMullen’s half-century and Michael Leask’s quickfire 46.Netherlands lost Max O’Dowd and Teja Nidamanuru inside the powerplay but it was the 75-run third-wicket partnership off 45 balls between Levitt and Scott Edwards that steered Netherlands to a competitive total. While Levitt, who had scored a T20I century before, smashed six fours and five sixes in his knock, Edwards chipped in with a 21-ball 31. Fast bowler Charlie Cassell broke the threatening stand, trapping Edwards lbw in the 13th over. Three overs late, Levitt was dismissed by fast bowler Jasper Davidson. There were also handy lower-order contributions from Ryan Klein and Roelof van der Merwe that ensured Netherlands had enough on the board.For Scotland, Cassell and Davidson shared four wickets among them.In the chase, Scotland stumbled early, when opener Mark Watt was run out in the third over for a 9-ball 6. However, No.3 McMullen and George Munsey revived Scotland briefly with their 50-run stand for the third wicket. Offspinner Nidamanuru gave the breakthrough by ending Musney’s stay in the eighth over and dismissed captain Richie Berrington in his next over. McMullen too fell after a 27-ball 51 leaving Scotland in trouble.While No. 6 Leask stood up with his 46 off 23 – where he struck five sixes and one four – Scotland kept losing wickets regularly on the other end. From 151 for 5, Scotland lost the next four wickets for 30 runs to eventually finish at 181 for 9. Netherlands’ left-arm spinner Van der Merwe, though leaked 44 runs in his four overs, accounted for two wickets in the 17th and 19th over to halt Scotland. Nidamanuru finished with 3 for 30 from his four overs while Aryan Dutt and Daniel Doram also scalped a wicket each.With this victory, Netherlands have moved to top of the points table with four points from three matches. They will face Nepal on Thursday Scotland are second with two points from three matches.

Former national team player Alexi Lalas raised concerns about USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino’s experimentation with the team's roster, acknowledging the coach’s right to try options, but saying he's surprised there is not yet a settled starting XI ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Pochettino's side drew Ecuador and beat Australia over the last week.

Getty Images SportExperimentation versus clarity

Lalas pointed out that that Pochettino's current approach differs from the clarity he initially suggested he would provide.

“I've given up,” Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. “I have, you know, resigned myself to the fact that Mauricio Pochettino is going to continue to experiment, leading all the way up to the World Cup. And again, that in and of itself isn't necessarily wrong or a bad thing. It's just the way that he intimated about what he was going to do. This is just very, very different.

“And I think that that makes it fair to criticize. And I kind of want to see him kind of lay it down and say, 'I am going to use this next window or these games as if the World Cup is happening. And I'm going to bring everybody that I can possibly bring in. And then I'm going to start who I think for that game is the best possible XI. And there's not going to be excuses.'”

Advertisement'Flicking a switch' strategy

Lalas noted that the USMNT have limited competitive matches left before the World Cup, which could jeopardize the team’s readiness.

“There's a risk because, you know, people see a Christian Pulisic and yeah, we can put him in bubble wrap and mothballs until next summer and he doesn't ever touch the field lest he get hurt. But that's not realistic," he said. "It's not realistic for him or any big-time player. You got to be smart, of course. But again, we don't have qualifying. We don't have a lot of games. And so I worry about just flicking a switch or putting on the tap and expecting the power of the water to be there.

“I hope it is. But it seems that's ultimately what is going to happen. Now, it would be a much more informed decision or flicking of the switch, if you will, because of all the information that Pochettino has.”

The challenge facing Pochettino

With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, the USMNT faces the task of balancing experimentation with the need for a settled, confident lineup. Pochettino must decide when to stop testing and begin solidifying his best starting eleven to build cohesion and tactical understanding.

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Following their 1-1 draw with Ecuador and 2-1 win over Australia, the USMNT ended the October international break unbeaten and will regroup in November. They’ll face Paraguay and Uruguay on Nov. 15 and Nov. 18, respectively. 

Georgia Voll was given six lives during her half-century but a record New Zealand partnership almost flipped the script

Andrew McGlashan26-Mar-2025Australia withstood a thrilling onslaught from Maddy Green to secure a 3-0 whitewash over T20I world champions New Zealand in Wellington with the home side left to rue a woeful fielding display in which they dropped Georgia Voll six times.When Sophie Devine fell in the ninth over, New Zealand were a long way adrift in their chase of 181 on 54 for 4 – which included Megan Schutt becoming the first women’s player to 150 T20I wickets – but Green turned the game on its head with a 29-ball fifty, her first in T20Is, and in all struck five sixes while adding a New Zealand-record 99 for the fifth wicket with Amelia Kerr.That brought the requirement down to 28 from 15 balls when Green fell to a brilliant piece of fielding by Georgia Wareham who produced a direct hit from deep midwicket the over after she had missed a return catch from Amelia Kerr on 55.Annabel Sutherland then claimed three wickets in four balls in the 19th over with Wareham again to the fore with an excellent catch to remove Jess Kerr and a simpler one to end Amelia Kerr’s innings. That all-but ensured Australia would get home with New Zealand needing 20 off the last and Brooke Halliday unable to bat due to an injury sustained in the field.The eventual narrow margin highlighted what could have been for New Zealand had they taken any of the chances offered by Voll as she made her second half-century of the series and she was honest enough to admit her fortune. “Think I’m going to head to the Lotto store and buy one after this game,” she told the broadcast at the change of innings.Brooke Halliday shells one of multiple chances New Zealand missed•Getty ImagesVoll added 64 for the first wicket with Beth Mooney and 54 for the second with Phoebe Litchfield. Australia’s innings was then given a strong finish by Ellyse Perry who made an unbeaten 32 off 19 deliveries and captain Tahlia McGrath with 14 from five balls. In all, 109 came from the second ten overs after Australia had been a steady if unspectacular 71 for 1 at the midway point.After the home side opted to bowl first, the tone for their horror catching display was set in the first over when Jess Kerr was unable to hold a firm return chance, high to her right, offered by Voll two balls after she had cleared deep square leg for six from the third ball of the contest.Two much simpler opportunities were shelled by Green at mid-on (when Voll was 13) and Rosemary Mair at long-off with the latter allowing Voll to bring up her fifty from 44 balls.Voll was never entirely fluent and at times appeared frustrated, particularly during the powerplay when Mair and Devine managed to build some pressure with dot balls. However, Mooney was able to keep the scoreboard moving as Australia finished the fielding restrictions on 43 without loss.Georgia Voll took advantage of numerous dropped catches•Getty ImagesAfter reaching fifty, Voll was starting to move through the gears, using the crease to good effect, while being given further lives on 62 and 63 before finally falling to Suzie Bates when she walked across her stumps.Amid all the dropped chances, Mair managed to cling onto a swirling chance to remove Sutherland but Australia produced a powerful finish with 15 off the last over when New Zealand were penalized for a slow over-rate and were forced to have an extra fielder inside the ring.New Zealand’s chase began in bizarre fashion when Schutt’s first delivery slipped out of her hand, bounced by her feet and bobbled up the pitch for a no-ball that brought some wry smiles. But it was soon normal service for Schutt when she removed Bates to join Tim Southee and Rashid Khan as the only players in the T20I 150-club.Schutt struck again in her second over to remove Georgia Plimmer and Bella James’ debut innings was ended with a spliced pull against Sutherland. Amelia Kerr started brightly but Devine couldn’t hit her stride and picked out deep midwicket against Wareham for 1 off 9 balls.At that point, New Zealand needed a daunting 127 off 71 balls. But Green cleared the rope for the first time from her 17th delivery, clubbing McGrath over the leg side, and then took four more sixes in the space of seven deliveries to suddenly give the home side belief before Australia, as so often, found a way to come out on top.

Ollie Watkins suffered from a rare off-day in front of goal on the opening day of the brand new Premier League season.

The usually lethal Aston Villa marksman could only muster up one meagre effort on Nick Pope’s goal, yet Unai Emery kept his faith in the ex-Brentford striker by keeping him on the pitch throughout, despite such a lifeless display.

Watkins will want to just jot this down as a rusty display as he attempts to get back up to speed with what is expected of him, having bagged 16 goals last season in the Premier League.

Evann Guessand surprisingly failed to get a run-out against the Toon, despite costing the Villans £30m this summer, with an instant upgrade on the former OGC Nice striker now perhaps in the offing.

Aston Villa holds talks to sign £60m attacker

The West Midlands giants haven’t had the most action-packed transfer window to date, away from splashing out £30m on their new number 29.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Indeed, Marco Bizot is arguably their most notable signing other than Guessand arriving through the door, with a clean sheet already picked up by the fresh Villa stopper on a memorable debut.

More concerningly, the main talk this off-season has centred on players leaving Villa Park behind.

Homegrown Villa gem Jacob Ramsey is now officially a Magpies player, having sealed a £43m move to St James’ Park right after his now former employers clashed against his new side.

Any worry in the air about this sale could soon dissipate if Villa were to add Nicolas Jackson to their attacking personnel.

Indeed, according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Jackson is now on Emery’s short-list, having already held talks with the hit-and-miss Chelsea attacker previously.

While the £60m-rated forward has frustrated the Stamford Bridge masses consistently, there is certainly a player in there if Villa remain patient, especially when you consider what Emery managed to achieve with Marcus Rashford last season, as he waved goodbye to Manchester United temporarily to find his mojo again.

How Jackson is an instant upgrade on Guessand

Getting Jackson back to his confident, free-flowing best could well be a masterstroke in the long run, as Villa win themselves an immediate upgrade on Guessand, who can also keep a hot-and-cold Watkins on his toes at the peak of his powers.

This isn’t to say Guessand won’t be a hit on English shores, though.

After all, the Ivorian can line up as a blistering performer down either wing if needed – as much as he can line up as an out-and-out centre-forward like the Chelsea number 15 – with this quick burst of pace on the flanks even seeing him be dubbed as “electric” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.

Yet, he isn’t without his faults in front of goal, much like a heavily criticised Jackson. Guessand is definitely a work in progress, therefore, with the Villa number 29 only firing home 21 goals in total for Nice from 109 appearances.

12 of those amazingly came about just last season, with Guessand only managing to pick one paltry goal all campaign long during a forgettable 2021/22 offering for Nice.

Chelsea

81

30 + 12

Villarreal

48

13 + 6

Villarreal B

27

7 + 8

CD Mirandes

17

1 + 1

Jackson has also experienced similar barren patches of form in West London – as seen in him squandering a colossal 19 big chances in the Premier League last season – but he will feel he’s more well-equipped for the pressures of being one of Villa’s main choices up top when he’s performing to his red-hot best, over spurning chances galore.

Indeed, despite missing all those chances, the Senegalese striker trumped Guessand’s Ligue 1 output last season by firing home 13 Premier League efforts, with a further, clinical 17 efforts also next to his name for Enzo Maresca’s men.

Chelsea great John Obi Mikel has even heralded Jackson as a “monster” in front of goal when he isn’t experiencing a crisis in confidence, with a change of scenery perhaps what is needed for the 24-year-old to become a stable goalscoring presence.

After all, Villa managed to turn Watkins into a goal machine at the taxing level, with a hope now that the £60m attacker can provide the 29-year-old with some needed competition, alongside a rawer Guessand waiting in the wings.

New Rogers: Aston Villa open first talks to sign "exceptional" £30m PL star

Unai Emery could land his next Morgan Rogers by picking up this exceptional £30m star at Aston Villa.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 17, 2025

Leeds United have never been known to splash the cash on transfer deadline day.

Rather, the Whites are more known for taking a reserved approach to the drama, and that didn’t change this time around, as zero last-minute captures were secured, while Sunderland welcomed in another three new faces to their ever-growing camp in the Premier League.

It could well leave Leeds light on their feet as tense fixtures near the bottom of the division pile up, with just one goal scored from their opening three league matches adding another worry regarding their lack of business in the forward department late on.

However, the West Yorkshire outfit did fork out £18m to land Noah Okafor before the grumbles of deadline day took over, with a hope he can add some much-needed firepower when up to speed.

What Okafor can offer to Leeds

Leeds had been somewhat busy in the market before the letdown of deadline day, with the number of new summer incomings standing at a hefty ten.

A flurry of business saw Daniel Farke try to bolster his side’s weak attacking personnel, having publicly bemoaned the lack of quality in the forward positions in pre-season, with Okafor a statement buy in this regard.

Indeed, the Swiss international has a healthy career haul of 100 goal contributions plying his trade for the likes of RB Salzburg and AC Milan, with scout Jacek Kulig even dubbing the promising 25-year-old as “electric” when lighting up the Austrian Bundesliga.

Capable of operating on the left flank and as a centre-forward option, the expectation will be that he can become Leeds’ next Wilfried Gnonto in time.

With the addition of another face down the left who hasn’t come cheap – with the new Leeds number 19 also pocketing a high £72.5k-per-week salary – this could well finally signal the end of one underperformer at Elland Road…

Jack Harrison must finally be finished at Leeds

Farke and Co. did get rid of some deadwood this summer that was burning a hole in the wage costs, with Patrick Bamford now no longer on Leeds’ books, having earned the same lavish £70k-per-week salary as Okafor for some time.

He was routinely the highest earner in West Yorkshire, despite noticeable dips in form, with that unwanted mantle now being passed onto an equally hit-and-miss Jack Harrison.

Once upon a time at Leeds, Harrison was seen as a shining star in attack, with a bumper 16-goal contributions under his belt during the 2020/21 season in the top-flight, when the Whites were still being steered by the iconic Marcelo Bielsa.

However, in the here and now, he isn’t seen as the same bright spark he once was, having deserted Leeds during their depressing return to the Championship, where he then jumped ship to Everton and consistently failed to deliver.

Games played

65

Goals scored

4

Assists

4

Wage per week

£90k-per-week

Wage cost over a season

£4.6m

From his last 65 games in the challenging division, Harrison has only managed to muster up an underwhelming eight goal contributions, with Leeds now handed back the burden of the high earner, who is without a goal or assist from his two Whites cameos this season.

Staggeringly, despite his sour relationship with the Premier League new boys, he is their highest earner currently – as per Capology – at an eye-watering £90k-per-week.

This is the case even as he has previously been branded “non-existent” by journalist Beren Cross when donning Leeds white, on top of being further labelled as “disappointing” back in 2023 by ex-striker turned pundit Chris Waddle when his Elland Road form started to wobble.

With Okafor in through the door now, it will be intriguing to see how long Farke is willing to persist with his below-par number 20.

For Leeds’ long-term sake, he should be axed sooner rather than later – having also given up possession 25 times to Championship opposition Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup recently – as fresh blood is instead prioritised in their bid to beat the drop.

Leeds launched late bid to sign "standout" star who was desperate to move

Daniel Farke wanted an attacking option.

ByTom Cunningham Sep 2, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have now discussed signing a “genius” attacker, who is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.

Frank needs to strengthen attacking options after Son departure

Son Heung-min’s ten-year stint at Tottenham came to an emotional end this summer, with the South Korean winger making the difficult decision to move to the MLS and join LAFC.

Of course, it is extremely sad to see Son depart, but the 33-year-old signed off on the best possible note, after finally getting his hands on some silverware, lifting the Europa League as captain back in May.

The forward will be very difficult for Thomas Frank to replace, and the need for the manager to improve his attacking options was exacerbated by the recent major injury blow to James Maddison.

As such, Tottenham have now set their sights on a new attacking midfielder, according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states they have discussed a move for Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, who would be keen on returning to the Premier League this summer.

A number of clubs are said to be in talks with Leicester, who are prepared to cash-in on El Khannouss this summer, with Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Bayer Leverkusen and Al-Ahli also named as potential suitors.

It is not made explicitly clear whether Spurs have held direct talks with the Foxes, or simply discussed a move internally, but there is certainly interest on their behalf, and there is a feeling a deal could amount to £25m.

"Genius" El Khannouss could be savvy Maddison replacement

Leicester were relegated without putting up too much of a fight last season, but the 21-year-old caught the eye of scout Antonio Mango at times, who believes the youngster has a lot of potential.

Tottenham were already keen on signing a new attacking midfielder prior to Maddison’s injury, having pursued Morgan Gibbs-White, and it has now been revealed that Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has emerged as an alternative option.

It could be ideal to bring in El Khannouss alongside Eze, given that a deal would not break the bank, and the Moroccan now has a full season in the Premier League under his belt, chipping in with two goals and three assists last term.

Barcelona respond after Tottenham make £43m bid for "world-class" attacker

Spurs desperately need further reinforcements.

4 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 10, 2025

Given that the starlet is yet to prove himself as a top player, Eze should be Tottenham’s top target, but it would be a real bonus if they were able to get both attacking midfielders through the door before the transfer window closes, following Maddison’s injury.

The surfaces Pakistan prepared for the recently concluded three-Test series against England have been given a seal of approval by the ICC, who labelled the pitches for all three Tests “satisfactory”.The series, which Pakistan won 2-1, drew widespread attention for the pitches that were prepared. In the first Test, the surface appeared exceedingly flat, with Pakistan posting 556 before England racked up 827 for 7 declared, the highest total ever made in Pakistan, and the fourth highest in the history of Test cricket. It was only a third-innings collapse from Pakistan that forced a result that had appeared exceedingly unlikely when, halfway through the fourth day of the Test, the second innings was yet to conclude.Related

• ICC rescinds demerit point for Rawalpindi pitch

• Rawalpindi pitch gets 'below average' rating

Following that innings defeat, Pakistan radically changed their pitch-preparation philosophy. A new selection committee that included Aleem Dar and Aqib Javed decided to reuse the same surface for the second Multan Test, using giant fans to dry the pitch out. Preparation for the third Test in Rawalpindi – a venue that has historically taken little spin – also involved large fans as well as wedding-style heaters with windbreaks to help break the surface up.Both strips gave spinners plenty of help, with sharp and early turn as well as uneven bounce, and all 40 of England’s wickets in the last two Tests fell to spin. Pakistan won the second Test on the morning of the fourth day, while the Pindi Test didn’t even make it to lunch on day three.There was little public complaint from England, and Pakistan maintained they were within their rights to prepare surfaces that offered them home advantage following their chastening defeat on a flat track in the first Test. The ICC appears to have accepted that view, giving each of the strips the lowest rating that does not amount to a censure.The ICC rates pitches, and outfields, for all international games on a scale of very good to unfit: very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory and unfit. One demerit point is awarded to venues for an unsatisfactory rating, and three for an unfit rating. If any ground receives five or more demerit points in a five-year rolling period, it is suspended from hosting any international cricket for 12 months.This was the third consecutive Test in Pindi where the pitch came under scrutiny. In March 2022, the surface was given a “below average” rating on the scale the ICC used at the time, and docked a demerit point. It was given the same rating for the Test against England later that year and awarded another demerit point, though this was later rescinded on appeal.

Having already agreed a loan deal to sign Cedric Kipre from Stade de Reims, Ipswich Town are now reportedly closing in on their second signing of the summer in the form of another Ligue 1 star.

Ipswich set to sign Cedric Kipre

It’s been a slow summer transfer window at Portman Road so far as Kieran McKenna looks to build a side capable of earning an instant return to the Premier League without Liam Delap. The talented forward was always destined to depart once relegation was confirmed and he did just that when Chelsea came calling to win a frantic race for his signature.

Replacing the forward remains the toughest task for Ipswich this summer, but not one that sits top of their list of priorities. Instead, according to recent reports, The Tractor Boys are set to commence their summer business by signing Kipre on loan from Reims to hand the central defender his first move back to English football since leaving West Bromwich Albion last year.

Kipre will need little introduction to Championship fans given his extensive experience in England’s second tier, and that experience should prove to be key for McKenna’s side next season.

Ipswich in race for sought-after "huge talent" who scored 12 goals in 24/25

The Tractor Boys could add some attacking flair this summer…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 16, 2025

Whether signing Championship experience is part of the overall plan for Ipswich this summer remains to be seen. Recent links have emerged with the likes of Kwame Poku have been mentioned in recent weeks before his move to QPR, but those at Portman Road could first welcome a midfield reinforcement to match the potential arrival of Kipre this summer.

Ipswich in advanced talks to signing Matusiwa

As reported by Le Parisien, Ipswich are now closing in on a deal and are in advanced talks to sign Azor Matusiwa from Stade Rennais this summer. The defensive midfielder initially cost the French side around €16m (£14m) back in January 2024, but is seemingly set to move on just 18 months later in favour of McKenna’s side.

Minutes

2,078

1,959

Progressive Passes

134

59

Tackles Won

39

22

Ball Recoveries

134

107

As far as replacements for Jens Cajuste go, it’s fair to say that Matusiwa is an impressive option. The midfielder outperformed the former Ipswich loanee and Napoli midfielder in several key departments last season and will thrive in the Championship if he completes a summer switch.

In a deal worth £10m, Matusiwa could even turn into an excellent bargain at Portman Road. During his time at Reims, the midfielder found himself at the centre of praise more than once, including from Ben Mattinson in 2023. The analyst described the Dutchman’s anticipation as “great” and went on to praise him as “strong” as well as “agile”.

So, although Ipswich have taken time to get going, both Kipre and Matusiwa would represent solid signings to kickstart their transfer window at long last.

After dropping out of the race to sign Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle United are now reportedly in active talks to sign a 19-goal striker who St James’ Park chiefs “love”.

Newcastle drop out of Ekitike race

A week is a long time in the summer transfer window and Newcastle have experienced that in the most ruthless way possible once again. Having looked on course to sign Ekitike, Newcastle have since seen their deal hijacked by Premier League rivals Liverpool and have subsequently dropped out of the race for the Frenchman’s signature, according to reports.

It’s yet another setback for the Magpies in their search to sign a striker, but one they must move on from quickly if they are to reinforce their frontline before the Premier League gets back underway next month.

Whilst there will be some relief around Tyneside that Alexander Isak remains a Newcastle player, Eddie Howe will be well aware that he must welcome a backup option before the end of the window if Newcastle are to compete on all fronts next season.

To that end, names such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and even RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko have threatened to steal the headlines as of late, with the latter a particular standout. As alternative options for Ekitike go, the Serbian should be up there with the very top candidates on Newcastle’s list.

Bundesliga stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Sesko

Ekitike

Starts

2,380

2,563

Goals

13

15

Assists

5

8

Expected Goals

10

21.6

As impressive as Sesko is, however, the most recent reports suggest that Newcastle could yet prioritise a deal to sign a more familiar face this summer.

Newcastle now in active talks with Yoane Wissa

As reported by Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Newcastle are now in active talks with Yoane Wissa and his camp as they look to secure his signature. As has been the case in pursuit of many targets this summer, though, the forward won’t come cheap. Brentford, who are facing the prospect of losing both Wissa and Mbeumo, reportedly value the 28-year-old at a hefty £50m.

Given that he scored 19 Premier League goals last season, that price may well be one worth paying for the Magpies, who will be desperate to finally end their search for a striker.

Speaking about the interest in Wissa, Bailey told TBR: “Yoane Wissa’s camp are speaking to four or five different clubs at the moment, Tottenham and Newcastle are two of them, and both would love to sign him.”

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Posts ByTom Cunningham Jul 17, 2025

Fending off any interest from former Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Tottenham Hotspur may prove to be a tough task, but Newcastle have the money to spend and should look to do so as soon as possible following their Ekitike disappointment.