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Ipswich Town’s latest Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur will have really dented the Tractor Boys’ confidence, with the 4-1 loss now leaving Kieran McKenna’s troops five points off 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.

At the moment, an instant return to the Championship does look to be on the cards, with McKenna already presumably eyeing up this approaching summer in terms of what he does with his playing squad, irrespective of whether they do live to see another day in the top-flight or an expected relegation occurs.

This coming window, a whole host of players will be out of contract at Portman Road, with lots of decisions to be made, therefore, on a large portion of the Ipswich personnel.

The key decisions Ipswich will have to make this summer

Before delving deeper into the bodies that are outright out of contract, there are a number of loan faces that will depart Suffolk when the summer comes around.

Indeed, midfield duo Jens Cajuste and Kalvin Phillips will see their loan deals expire, with both players in question putting in some solid and admirable displays centrally, meaning McKenna would no doubt have to recruit some fresh players in this area of the pitch.

Moreover, the likes of Ben Godfrey and Julio Enciso will also return to Atalanta and Brighton and Hove Albion respectively, but neither of those exits will hurt that much, with Enciso barely featuring since a January loan switch, whilst Godfrey has looked routinely out of his depth.

That brings us to the permanent members of McKenna’s camp that have nearly run down their current deals, with utility figures Cameron Burgess and Axel Tuanzebe in danger of leaving.

But, there is another well-regarded servant at Portman Road who could also up and leave, with the decision to let him go probably the smartest decision in the long-term.

The "accomplished" Ipswich player who could leave

The look of Ipswich’s side might well need a facelift when the 2024/25 season is over, with McKenna sticking it out with a lot of players who have been there throughout the club’s dramatic rise up to the Premier League.

In the elite league, a number of his once trusty personnel haven’t quite been able to deal with the intense step-up in quality, with Massimo Luongo one name who has been fading into the background.

The Australian did play his part in Ipswich’s unbelievable promotion story last season, with the ex-Tottenham Hotspur youngster chipping in with three goals from 43 Championship appearances to live up to his manager’s billing that he was an “accomplished” performer in the EFL when joining the ranks back in January of 2023.

But, as has been seen throughout McKenna’s squad, the Premier League is a wildly different kettle of fish, with Luongo’s game-time evaporating since promotion was sealed.

Looking at the table above further reinforces how far the £10k-per-week earner has fallen down the pecking order, with Luongo only averaging 27 minutes of action when given a rare Premier League run-out, among other declining numbers.

Whilst it’s obvious he was cut out for the second tier, the 32-year-old just hasn’t looked comfortable when gifted a top-flight opportunity, leaving his manager now with a conundrum as to whether he should offload the experienced head in the summer when his contract is up.

That does feel like the wisest choice to make, but before any talk centres on bodies leaving the building, survival against all the odds remains on the agenda.

0 duels won: McKenna must axe Ipswich dud who can’t cut it in the PL

Tottenham Hotspur picked up a 4-1 away win at the expense of Ipswich Town.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Feb 23, 2025

Euro 2000 winner Frank Leboeuf has claimed Portugal are a genuine contender at Euro 2024 this summer but must first drop an ageing Cristiano Ronaldo.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Leboeuf picks Portugal to win 2024But victory depends on key conditionThey must drop 39-year-old RonaldoWHAT HAPPENED?

Leboeuf, famously once of Chelsea and a World Cup winner with France in 1998, suggested that Portugal's chances of claiming a second European Championship title in the space of eight years depends on a 39-year-old Ronaldo not being involved.

AdvertisementWHAT LEBOEUF SAID

Speaking to sports betting site , Lebeouf said: "For me, Portugal are actually one of the contenders for this summer's European Championships. I actually think they can win the Euros, but only if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't play.

"You cannot take away anything that Ronaldo has done for football just because he has gone to retire in the Saudi League. I want to thank him for taking the sport to another level, but there is an end for everyone. He has every right to play in Saudi Arabia, although I'm not sure he needed even more money! I have no problem with players coming to the end of their careers going to play in lesser leagues to earn more money, the same has happened with Lionel Messi. Both of them were fantastic players but they have chosen not to play at the top level anymore and we have to respect that. You can never take away what they have done for football. The competition between those two actually made the entire sport better. It made it more attractive."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo captained Portugal in all but one of their 10 qualifiers for Euro 2024, scoring 10 times across those nine appearances. But while he has always found the net at a prolific rate in qualifying games and friendles, his record at major tournaments is much less strong. Ronaldo scored only once at the World Cup in 2022, drew a blank in Portugal's last 16 exit to Belgium at Euro 2020 and failed to find the net after the second group game at the 2018 World Cup. Portugal also arguably even won Euro 2016 in spite of him, rather than because of him. Now that he is in his 40th year and playing club football away from an elite level, the argument to let go is only growing stronger.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Ronaldo is among a handful of players that were present at Euro 2004 who are still playing in 2024. Lukas Podolski, 38 and playing for Gornik Zabrze in Poland, ex-Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov, 38 and now based in Bulgaria's lower leagues, and Igor Akinfee, 37 and still CSKA Moscow captain, are the others.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras se apresentou, na manhã desta sexta-feira (23), na Academia de Futebol, para realizar mais um treino técnico e tático visando o duelo diante do Atlético-GO, no próximo domingo (25), em Goiânia, em jogo válido pela décima oitava rodada do Brasileirão 2020.

Precisando da vitória para encerrar uma incômoda série de quatro derrotas seguidas na competição, o técnico interino Andrey Lopes deve manter o mesmo esquema da equipe que goleou o Tigre por 5 a 0 no Allianz Parque.

Com os desfalques de Gustavo Gómez (suspenso por cartão vermelho), Danilo e Gabriel Veron (com a Seleção Sub-20), o treinador deve contar com o retorno de Luan, Patrick de Paula e Rony no time titular.

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Com isso, a provável escalação do Palmeiras para encarar o Dragão seria: Weverton; Gabriel Menino, Felipe Melo, Luan e Viña; Patrick de Paula, Zé Rafael e Raphael Veiga; Wesley, Rony e Luiz Adriano.

Esteves e Marcos Rocha seguem vetados pelo departamento médico e devem desfalcar o Verdão por mais uma partida.

O Alviverde Imponente treina neste sábado (24), novamente pela manhã, para encerrar a preparação para enfrentar o Atlético-GO.

Manchester United have had a nightmare start to the Premier League season, from injuries and public disagreements all the way to the results on the pitch. Erik ten Hag's side simply haven't got going.

From the opening day, they didn't look ready, edging past a Wolverhampton Wanderers side who had just endured a last-minute managerial change. We got a real glimpse of how bad things were in their next game, however, as they suffered a defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.

That loss should have signalled a re-group and potential turnaround, but a narrow victory at home against Nottingham Forest was followed by defeat at Arsenal.

It begs the question about their summer business being good enough, and turns the attention to January. With that said, Fabrizio Romano has delivered his verdict on one potential target.

What's the latest Manchester United transfer news?

Truth be told, after welcoming the likes of Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Sofyan Amrabat, United should not need to be focusing on the January transfer window so early. But their recent results have forced a rethink.

Now, with that rethink in mind, the Red Devils have been linked as potential suitors for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in January.

The midfielder, of course, saw his move to Bayern Munich break down in devastating fashion after Fulham couldn't find a replacement of their own in time. Following that failure, though, a January move could be on the cards.

Romano was keen to play down United's interest, however, reacting to the links in a chat with Caught Offside: "As I previously reported, Bayern Munich came very close to signing Joao Palhinha this summer, only for the deal to fall through late on as Fulham couldn’t find a replacement, and now there’s been further speculation about the Portuguese midfielder’s future.

“I’m aware that Manchester United have been linked as suitors for Palhinha when the transfer window opens again in January, but I’m not a fan of commenting on rumours about something that is still four months away. Nothing is going on now, and also Man United just spent money on another defensive midfielder with the Sofyan Amrabat deal.

“I think Bayern will try again for Palhinha but again, it’s too early to say for sure, January is far.”

Should Manchester United sign Joao Palhinha?

Despite seemingly improving their midfield with the arrival of both Mount and Amrabat, United could still do with Palhinha, who would be a significant upgrade on Ten Hag's current options. The statistics prove that once and for all, too, as per FBref.

Player

Goals

Interceptions Per 90

Clearances Per 90

Tackles Won Per 90

Joao Palhinha

1

1.54

4.62

5.38

Casemiro

1

0.75

3.25

2.75

As you can see from this season, Palhinha would be a better option for United than Casemiro currently is, even despite the Brazilian's incredible and unquestionable pedigree. The former Real Madrid star has struggled to control the Red Devils' midfield in the current campaign, and is beginning to show signs of dropping away from his best form at 31-years-old.

The fact is, January could be the perfect time to replace the defensive midfielder with Palhinha, who could get his big move away from Fulham after all.

MatériaMais Notícias

A partir das 19h desta segunda-feira (28), os membros do Conselho Deliberativo do Santos se reunirão virtualmente para analisar, discutir e votar o parecer da Comissão de Inquérito e Sindicância, que orienta a abertura de um novo processo de impeachment contra o presidente José Carlos Peres, após o relatório do Conselho Fiscal apontar irregularidades no demonstrativo financeiro do clube em 2019.

Em meio ao bastidor político conturbado, com possibilidade de afastamento imediato de Peres da presidência santista já neste encontro, o técnico Cuca admitiu que está preocupado com os rumos administrativos do Peixe e confessou que essas indefinições interferem ao desempenho de campo.

– Hoje eu particularmente tive um dia muito ruim porque amanhã a gente tem um dia muito conturbado aqui no Santos. Pode ocorrer uma série de coisas politicamente e a gente tá a mercê disso – disse o treinador santista em entrevista coletiva virtual após o empate do Peixe por 1 a 1 contra Fortaleza, neste domingo (27), na Vila Belmiro.

– Hoje passei o dia falando com advogado sobre o que vai acontecer amanhã, que é um peso muito grande, e as coisas precisam se organizar também, para que fora de campo a gente tenha um pouco mais de paz, porque, querendo ou não, afeta dentro – acrescentou.

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Na quinta-feira (01), o Peixe tem um jogo decisivo, que pode definir a classificação do clube às oitavas de final da Conmebol Libertadores. Basta o Peixe empatar contra o Olimpia (PAR), fora de casa, a partir das 19h, para confirmar o passaporte para próxima fase com uma rodada de antecedência, já que o Alvinegro é o líder do grupo G da competição, com 10 pontos.

– A gente fica sabendo tudo que ocorre, de que jeito ocorre, e isso também afeta um pouco. Vamos torcer para que as coisas andem não sei de que jeito amanhã, mas que seja bom pro Santos. E que a gente possa ficar ileso, para quinta-feira fazer um jogo decisivo com o Olimpia – pontuou Cuca.

Caso os conselheiros santistas optem pelo afastamento de José Carlos Peres da presidência do clube, automaticamente o vice, Orlando Rollo, assumirá o comando da gestão. Peres e Rollo não possuem um bom relacionamento desde os primeiros meses de mandato, quando a dupla rompeu e, desde então, Orlando não participa da vida política do clube, tendo inclusive pedido afastamento em 2019 e sendo impedido, por meio de uma portaria, pelo próprio presidente.

Por não fazer parte das atividades administrativas do Santos há mais de um ano, Orlando Rollo foi absolvido do parecer da CIS, diferentemente do restante do Comitê Gestor e principalmente Peres, que é alvo de um processo de impeachment.

* Sob supervisão de Vinícius Perazzini

Kevin Pietersen has become the first major England player, past or present, to state publically that Ben Stokes should play no part in the Ashes – and he has even reopened old wounds with his former adversary Andrew Strauss by suggesting that Strauss’ job could be in jeopardy because of the issue.The Crown Prosecution Service will decide whether charges will be brought against Stokes after receiving a report from Avon and Somerset Police about his alleged part in an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September.Stokes is playing domestic cricket in New Zealand with the blessing of the ECB after voluntarily assisting with police interviews which, in his case, are now complete.But Pietersen told the that his mind is already made up and that it would be wrong for Stokes to take part in the Test series.Strauss, director of England cricket, was instrumental to the banishing of Pietersen from England’s set-up on the grounds that he undermined the team ethic.In a wide-ranging interview, Pietersen says he is not bitter, and that he is “in such a cool space” as he rebuilds his life on the T20 circuit and with a commitment to rhino conservation.But he warned: “The issue with Ben Stokes isn’t about Ben Stokes. It’s about Andrew Strauss. He’s the one who’s going to make this call about if and when Stokes returns. The CPS might make it for him but if they don’t, this is on Strauss.”This is his biggest decision. Forget what he’s ever done to me. This is his biggest call. He likes to do things by the book. By his book. He doesn’t have much hair at the moment. He could lose it all on this decision. It’s a monster.”

Jake Ball said he hopes he “can bounce a few Aussies out” if he wins selection for the first Test in Brisbane

George Dobell in Brisbane20-Nov-2017Most players on the verge of their first Ashes Test might be hoping to emulate their heroes, but Jake Ball is hoping for the opposite. In one respect, anyway.Ball grew-up idolising Steve Harmison. Inspired by Harmison’s pace and hostility in the 2005 Ashes, Ball would take to the garden with his brother and “try to bounce him out”.But while he will not want to replicate Harmison’s infamous first delivery at the Gabba at start of the 2006-07 Ashes – the ball that went to second slip, a harbinger of doom for a grim series from an England perspective – he is still hoping to emulate the Harmison of 2005. And that means looking to bounce out the Australian batsmen.Broad hit by golf ball

Stuart Broad escaped serious injury after he was hit by a golf ball while playing at Brisbane Golf Club on Monday. Broad was on the putting green when he was hit on the lower back by a stray ball hit by a member of the club. He did not require treatment and is not in any way an injury doubt ahead of Thursday’s first Ashes Test.

“I hope I can bounce a few of the Aussies out,” Ball said as he visited the Gabba for the first time on Monday. I have the height and bounce.”I showed in the first couple of games on the tour that I can extract extra bounce and the Gabba is renowned for being a bouncy pitch. Hopefully I can show that and nick a few of the Aussies off.”I’m in a really good position at the minute. I think we’re going to hit the ground running and I hope to surprise a few people. I think we’ve a really good chance.”Ball has emerged as a near certainty to play in the first Test over the last few days, which may surprise a few. He has a Test bowling average of 114, after all – he has only played three Tests and two of them were in India – and he has been limited to just 22 first-class deliveries on tour to date after spraining his ankle in Adelaide.But the spells he did bowl clearly made a strong impression. Trevor Bayliss rated Ball as the side’s “best bowler” in the warm-up match in Perth, while Jonny Bairstow reckoned he was the quickest of England’s seamers. At every state, the management have said they wanted him to play in Brisbane where his height and ability to hit the seam could be an asset.”I’m really confident in what I’m doing,” Ball said. “I’ve played club cricket in Australia. I’ve always had in the back of my mind that these pitches can really suit my style of bowling and bowling in Perth and Adelaide reinforced that.”He admits, however, that there was a moment when he feared for his Ashes prospects in the immediate aftermath of sustaining the injury.”There was a split-second where I felt something wasn’t quite right,” he said. “I had my eyes closed and I was thinking ‘Does it hurt?’ All sorts of thoughts go through your head.”It was a bit gutting, especially with bowling so well in the first couple of games.”But the medical staff have been amazing. The last couple of days in Townsville went really well and I got through 17 overs at full pace and a couple of sessions of fielding. I’m now 100% confident that I can get through a five-day Test. I’m in a really good position.”You dream about playing in the Ashes. To be here and have a chance of playing is amazing and if I do get the nod, I’ll go out there and give 100%.”We’re not intimidated. All the batters have dealt with 90mph pace before and they will deal with it again. They can talk it up, talk about their pace, but it’s nothing that we haven’t faced before. We’ll look to put the pressure back on them.”

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A estreia do meia Lucas Evangelista com a camisa do Red Bull Bragantino na última quarta-feira não poderia ser melhor: três pontos garantidos e a primeira vitória do Massa Bruta no Campeonato Brasileiro.

O jogador, revelado nas categorias de base do São Paulo e emprestado pelo Nantes (FRA), entrou durante a etapa final do triunfo por 2 a 1 do time paulista diante do Fluminense, no Estádio Nabi Abi Chedid.

– Estou muito feliz por ter estreado e ainda por cima ter conseguido a vitória que era muito importante pra nós. Em relação a forma física eu senti um pouco porque fiquei muitos dias sem ter treinado com bola com o time por conta do processo aqui no clube. Fiz vários testes do Covid-19 até ser liberado para treinar com o elenco, então sabíamos que seria normal eu me sentir “abafado” no jogo. Agora estou treinando normal e aos poucos a forma física voltará e isso vai somar ainda mais – projetou o meia.

Diante da vitória, o Red Bull Bragantino somou cinco pontos para chegar na nona colocação da tabela de classificação. No domingo, a equipe do Massa Bruta volta a campo contra o Coritiba, às 16h, novamente em casa, pela 5ª rodada do Brasileirão. Ao receber o atual último colocado, o meia descartou um suposto favoritismo do time de Bragança Paulista.

– Não julgamos por eles estarem na parte de baixo da tabela, até porque sabemos da qualidade deles e de todas as equipes do campeonato. Estamos nos preparando da melhor maneira possível para o jogo e pode ter certeza que pra nós vai ser uma final, assim como foi no último jogo contra o Fluminense. Feliz demais pela vitória e principalmente pelo espírito de equipe de todos – finalizou Lucas.

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Chelsea will 'have an eye' on Kylian Mbappe's precarious situation at Paris Saint-Germain as co-owner Todd Boehly won't want to miss out on a 'golden nugget' in the market, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Which clubs are keen on Kylian Mbappe?

According to 90min, Chelsea, alongside other clubs in Europe, have been offered the chance to sign Kylian Mbappe this summer as Paris Saint-Germain try to facilitate a sensational exit from the Parc des Princes for the France international.

Both Chelsea and Liverpool would be open to bringing Mbappe to the Premier League; however, there is no indication that the £1.1 million per week ace would like to take his next career step in England. Real Madrid are believed to be his favored destination as his contract at Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain ticks closer to expiration next year.

Of course, Mbappe rejected the chance to speak to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after Paris Saint-Germain granted permission for Mbappe to speak to the club following a monster £259 million bid for his services, as per L'Equipe via The Guardian.

Mbappe, who has been labelled as an "alien" by Marca, does not intend to extend his contract at Paris Saint-Germain and his current employers hold belief that he has already shook on an agreement to join global superpower Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2024.

RMC Sport via The Daily Mail claim that Paris Saint-Germain expect Real Madrid to make an 'extremely low and insulting' offer for Mbappe between now and the transfer deadline.

Last season, Mbappe recorded some extraordinary numbers, scoring 41 times and laying on ten assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones thinks that Chelsea co-owner Boehly will 'know the terms needed' to bring Mbappe to Stamford Bridge.

Jones stated: “I would be amazed if Liverpool got Mbappe to be honest and I’m sure I’m not alone on that. And I have heard a few whispers that Real Madrid will get involved in this very soon.

“Chelsea for sure know the terms needed and that’s just Todd Boehly making sure he doesn’t miss out on a golden nugget.”

What next for Chelsea?

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will be aiming to tie up his final loose ends in the transfer market as he gears up for the excitement of his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.

In an unexpected turn of events, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku could be involved in a player-plus-cash swap deal that could see Serbia international Vlahovic arrive in west London for £38.5 million, according to The Daily Mail.

The Blues have been swift in their transfer business this window, which is a trend that has continued with regard to AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi, who looks like he is on his way to the club in a deal worth £38.57 million after both parties came to an agreement, as per BBC Sport.

Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is in discussions with Chelsea and could be brought in as competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks, talkSPORT understands.

Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements following a tumultuous campaign in the Premier League last season and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a transfer target.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Wilfried Gnonto?

According to Sky Sports Italy, Everton are closing in on the signing of Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto this summer.

The respected outlet revealed on their transfer news feed:

'Everton, Gnonto is getting closer – the English club is ever closer to closing for the striker of our national team. The class of 2003 could therefore continue his adventure in England.'

How much will Wilfried Gnonto cost?

After completing the signing of free agent and former Aston Villa full-back Ashley Young, Sean Dyche will be fully focused on strengthening his attacking ranks that have been weakened over the last 12 months.

The departures of Anthony Gordon and Richarlison have had an obvious effect on the Toffees forward line and despite attempts to replace their goal contributions and threat in front goal with Neal Maupay, the former Brighton and Hove Albion has completely failed to make up for their absence with just one goal scored over the entire campaign.

Having said that, the arrival of Dyche in January sparked a more consistent role for newly-signed Dwight McNeil, with the winger scoring five goals and registering two assists after the reunion with his former Burnley boss.

Now Dyche could unlock his next McNeil in Gnonto, with the Italian struggling for first-team football over his first season in the Premier League due to a constant change of managers leading to the winger making just 14 Premier League starts and averaging only 56 minutes per appearance.

Over 24 league appearances, the 19-year-old ace scored two goals, registered four assists and created three big chances, as well as averaging one key pass, 1.2 tackles and 4.4 duels per game, showing glimpses of his huge talent on the left flank.

Gnonto has already been the recipient of praise over his short career so far, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig comparing the Italy international to former Inter Milan and Newcastle United star Obafemi Martins:

"Gnonto reminds us so much of a former Inter player – Obafemi Martins. Electric pace, stature, low center of gravity, mobility, bravery and powerful finish."

In fact, only Alex Iwobi registered more assists (7) than Gnonto in the Everton squad last season, as per WhoScored, proving that the Leeds talisman could be invaluable in delivering more shot-creating opportunities and creativity in the final third, especially with more consistent game-time at Goodison Park.

The West Yorkshire outfit signed their teenage sensation last summer for just £3.8m, but after just one season in English football it has been reported that Everton have made an approach reportedly worth around €22m (£19m), something that will be hard to resist for the recently-relegated club.

With that being said, if Everton could seal a deal for Gnonto this summer it would be a major coup, as his top-flight experience and huge potential could prove to be a perfect cocktail for Dyche, with the Englishman able to snap up his attacking weapon in the mould of McNeil.