‘Newcastle think previous transfer collapse part of failure to sign Joao Pedro’
Newcastle have been forced to focus their attentions elsewhere after Joao Pedro chose to sign with Chelsea.
The Brazilian forward had been earmarked as one of the Magpies’ main targets this summer.
With Callum Wilson departing Newcastle on a free transfer, Eddie Howe’s side needs an alternative up front to Liverpool target Alexander Isak.
What’s more, the North Eastern club are returning to the Champions League next season, and beyond the in-demand Swedish striker, William Osula is the only other striker in a squad short on high-quality options past the starting XI.
Pedro would have not only represented an upgrade on the unproven Danish back-up, but also a versatile option capable of playing in several positions across the front line.
And according to The Athletic, a failed deal in 2022 may have been a factor in the former Brighton man choosing not to join Newcastle this summer.
Newcastle deal to sign Joao Pedro collapsed in 2022
As reported, Pedro had been made a “key part” of Newcastle‘s summer recruitment plans and there were “high hopes they could seal a deal”.
This summer is not the first time the Magpies have eyed a deal for the ex-Brighton forward.
Newcastle came close to signing Pedro from Watford in 2022, but Howe pushed for a “front-line striker” instead, leading to Isak joining from Real Sociedad instead.
That failed deal rankled with the Brazilian, who admitted a year later in an interview with Globo Esporte that he was “upset about the transfer not going through for some time”.
Newcastle sources feel there was a feeling that “memories of that situation” may have played a part in the 23-year-old choosing the Blues over the Magpies.
Another factor was Pedro’s desire to live in London over Newcastle, and despite the club being under the impression the forward was keen on the move, the Brazilian international ultimately decided to make Stamford Bridge his new home.
Newcastle turn attention to Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga
Football Insider Verdict
Having missed out on Pedro, Mick Brown told Football Insider that Anthony Elanga could be set to join Newcastle.
Whilst the two Premier League stars play in different positions, adding the Sweden international to their front-line will be a valuable upgrade for Howe’s side.
However, Forest are in no need to sell and have rejected an initial offer of £40million for Elanga.
Newcastle have returned with a £55m offer according to MailOnline, and should he join, the ex-Man United man would be the first player to move to St. James’ Park for a fee this summer.
Despite being one of the world’s richest clubs, the Magpies remain constrained by the threat of PSR and have been priced out of deals for Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo as a consequence.