Newcastle United are set to miss out on Joao Pedro to Chelsea, with Chronicle Live readers expressing a range of emotions in the wake of the latest transfer blow
Brighton have received a double boost for Monday's Premier League home clash against champions Liverpool with Lewis Dunk and Joao Pedro back in the mix. Issue date: Friday May 16, 2025
Joao Pedro looks set to join Chelsea(Image: PA)
Chronicle Live readers have been sharing their varied reactions as Newcastle United grapples with the complexities of the transfer market. Despite missing out on Joao Pedro, the club's top brass remain unruffled in their approach to transfers.
The recent transfer window has underscored the challenges of competing with the Premier League's heavyweights.
Newcastle United's management is preparing to respond to a second significant setback in the transfer window after being unable to meet Bryan Mbeumo's wage demands, leading to his move to Manchester United. Insiders close to the deal have confirmed Chelsea as the winners in a bidding war that included Newcastle.
Despite engaging in talks with Brighton & Hove Albion and offering up to £50m, Newcastle were informed that a fee closer to £60m plus add-ons was the asking price for the three-time Brazil international. However, it is Chelsea who have met all the requirements and are now set to sign the former Watford forward.
Pedro was eager for the move to London and received encouragement from the Blues, with the Albion star being offered a lucrative deal by the Stamford Bridge club. Despite Newcastle's willingness to make Pedro a substantial offer, they have been unable to halt Chelsea's progress.
One reader, Tumbla believes: "I think it's clear to most of us, we're unable to compete financially with Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Man United and yes, even Spurs. We certainly could if the rules were different, but they're not. It's all very frustrating but boxing clever is our only way forward at the moment. Clubs having PRS difficulties could be something worth visiting as I don't see four £60million players arriving anytime soon during this window.
"Ready made Premier league proven players come at a huge price. There's less risk and have more chance of hitting the ground running than some unknown. I'd take a punt on Calvert-Lewin on a three year contract, keep Wilson for another year on a pay as you play contract and hopefully hang on to Isak. The young fella who made the bench last season is obviously close to a breakthrough so for me personally, I think it would be enough to go into a season."
Toonsville feels: "It’s a little bit concerning why all these players are opting to join other teams, even with the lure of Champions League football. I’m not sure why we put an offer in for a player that obviously didn’t want to join us. To be honest I’m glad he didn’t, as I don’t rate him that much and he’s definitely not worth £60m! I think we need to give up on Premier League players, as they are all overpriced and most want a big payout, which at this moment in time we can’t offer. We need to find hidden gems in other leagues, just like our recent purchases, as pretty much all of them have done very well for us once settled in the Premier League."
Bilco58 adds: "I’m not too disappointed that we’ve lost out on Pedro. £60m is a huge sum for a lad that probably won’t be a starter for us, more of a quality squad player, his attitude is also questionable. Our strict wage structure, which I agree with, means these PL ‘Stars’ will pass us by if the established Big Boys want them, and by the same token we are vulnerable to those clubs that want to pick off our best players with the lure of doubling their wages. There’s a glass ceiling we are going to struggle to break through for some time, meanwhile we’ll just need to operate smartly."
While Magman writes: "Sorry, but didn’t care if he was worth £60m. I am more concerned at the alarming rate every target we have is going elsewhere. Big statements from the chairman mean nothing. I have said this before the powers that be upstairs including the deal/ recruitment team are out of the depth. I am no fan of Paul Mitchell but it does beg the question why he left at the start of a window where we should be making a statement yet see nothing. It’s insulting to the efforts the lad put in last season."
ENP offers: "Not up to our standards by any means, we've dodged a bullet here. A goal from open play every 427 minutes last season is not the forward we need to improve our team. The positive here is that our "interest" (never officially confirmed by club sources) has likely pushed up the fee and wages for Chelsea."
AugCaesar writes: "We aren't being seen as pushovers when transfer fees are being negotiated. We're being seen as tight fisted. Players still see the bright lights and obviously want the money and aren't bothered about warming the bench at awful clubs like Chelsea. Football is not playing a part in the two that have turned their noses up on us. Mbuemo is toying with a move to a dead end club and Pedro will probably get bored sitting on the heated seats. Tough. Let them go. Do we really want or need these glory seekers? Nope. Get Trafford over the line this week and move overseas for better quality and value for money."
Blubber says: "It's hard to get too bothered about a player who is clearly happy to be on the bench for Champions League football. Elanga seems to have the same disinclination to compete in the top competition. We should go for less obvious targets (though they have been talked about) like Kluivert, Elliott, and Scalvini."
So what would you do in the best interests of the club? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.