‘Joao Pedro snub forces Newcastle U-turn on Dominic Calvert-Lewin deal’
Newcastle have been left frustrated after being rebuffed on several deals for their first-choice targets in several positions.
Bryan Mbeumo has made Man United his preferred destination this summer, choosing the beaten Europa League finalists over a move to the North East.
Newcastle also held an interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but the England international seems likely to be on his way to Liverpool.
Eddie Howe’s side have agreed a move for Anthony Elanga for £50million plus bonuses [The Athletic] after missing out on Mbeumo, and after Joao Pedro chose a move to Chelsea over the Magpies, the club may turn to free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin as an alternative, according to The Athletic.
Newcastle turn to Calvert-Lewin as backup no.9
Calvert-Lewin is a man in demand this summer, in spite of scoring just three goals for Everton last season.
Strikers are at an absolute premium in the current transfer window, given the lack of options and absurdly high demand.
Calvert-Lewin has been linked with moves to Man United, Fulham, Rangers, Celtic, West Ham, and plenty more this summer.
And as reported, Newcastle did not initially hold an interest in the striker this summer, but as a result of missing out on Pedro, the Magpies are now looking at the former Everton striker.
Howe’s team may not necessarily make a move for the forward, but his name is now being mentioned in “conversations” as the club searches for a backup for Alexander Isak.
Newcastle showing signs of desperation
Football Insider Verdict
Newcastle went into this summer transfer window seemingly in a position of strength.
After escaping a PSR sanction in 2024 and withholding from doing any major deals in January, the Magpies were expected to have cash to spend.
Securing Champions League football was also expected to boost their transfer kitty and add to the appeal of making St. James’ Park home for some of the world’s top talents.
But after Paul Mitchell’s surprise departure was announced [MailOnline], Newcastle have been forced to watch on as their rivals have made use of the riches being a Premier League team provides.
Having missed out on so many of their first-choice targets, Howe’s side are beginning to look desperate, and their newfound interest in Calvert-Lewin is a worrying sign that the club are really struggling to convince players to make the move to the North East.