Despite Newcastle United’s interest, Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro has now agreed to join Chelsea.
Newcastle had earmarked Joao Pedro as the perfect candidate to provide both competition for Alexander Isak and also play in a right wing role at St James’ Park next season.
In fact, TBR Football confirmed that Newcastle bid £50m to sign Pedro, an offer that was quickly turned down by Brighton.
And after Newcastle missed out on Bryan Mbeumo earlier in the window, it’s another huge blow for Eddie Howe and his side.
Mbeumo was Newcastle’s first option for the right side of their attack, and Howe was also pushing hard to sign Pedro — a frustrating summer thus far.
Newcastle refused to match Chelsea’s offer for Joao Pedro
That being said, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Newcastle simply refused to match Chelsea’s £60m offer for Pedro over the weekend.
Of course, this will be the second time Newcastle have missed out on Pedro given that they were originally looking at the Brazilian when he left Watford to join Brighton.
And what might add to the frustration for fans on Tyneside is the fact that Pedro was ‘open’ to playing for Howe next season.
Providing further detail, Bailey explained: “I am told that Newcastle had the chance to match Chelsea and compete, but they did not get it done as Chelsea moved quickly.
Brighton striker Joao Pedro scores a penalty against Arsenal.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
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“Whilst Pedro was more than happy to agree terms with Chelsea, I am told he was also very much open to the prospect of playing for Eddie Howe.
“But not for the first time this summer – Newcastle have missed out, Howe really wanted Pedro – indeed in a lot of ways more than Mbeumo, Pedro is a player they know so well and believed he would be a great fit.
“They are still keen on [Anthony] Elanga and are continuing talks over James Trafford and I’m told they are close on a deal for a forward.
“Newcastle will get deals done this summer and big ones, but as it stands, this news is a major blow to their plans.”
Anthony Elanga might still be the perfect signing for Newcastle
As stated, Newcastle do still have an opportunity to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest this summer, even if their initial offer was some way off the club’s valuation.
Newcastle sent an initial offer for Elanga that was swiftly rejected by Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
But if Howe’s team are eventually able to conclude a deal, Elanga might actually prove to be a better-suited candidate to solve Newcastle’s right wing conundrum.
Position Games Goals Assists
Right wing 29 5 6
Striker 7 0 5
Left wing 4 0 1
Attacking midfield 1 1 0
Elanga’s appearances for Nottingham Forest by position in the 2024/25 season.
Although Pedro was willing to play as a right winger for Newcastle, Elanga is a specialist in the role, one he predominantly played at the City Ground last season.
Pedro played the bulk of his own games at Brighton as centre-forward or a number 10, and that’s likely how he’ll be deployed at Stamford Bridge.
But considering Newcastle plan to keep Isak, Elanga might prove to be a more sensible addition to the club’s attacking options.
Although, Newcastle do still need a new striker and there’s no guarantee that a fee will be agreed for Elanga.