Newcastle United Step Up Pursuit of £60m Premier League Star as Talks Begin | OneFootball

Newcastle Prioritise Joao Pedro as Summer Transfer Plans Begin to Unfold

Pedro Becomes Newcastle’s Forward Focus

Newcastle United’s summer transfer window is beginning to take shape, and Joao Pedro of Brighton has emerged as Eddie Howe’s top attacking priority. According to The Telegraph, “The 22-year-old has emerged as Newcastle’s priority target since missing out on Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo and it is hoped a suitable deal can be thrashed out quickly.”

This isn’t the first time Pedro has appeared on Newcastle’s radar. Howe was keen on the Brazilian two summers ago, only for Alexander Isak to arrive in a club-record £63 million deal. Now, Pedro’s adaptability across the front line and Premier League experience make him a fitting complement to the Swedish striker rather than a replacement.

With Brighton recently bringing in Greek teenager Charalampos Kostoulas, there’s cautious optimism on Tyneside. “There is a growing confidence that a deal can be done,” reports The Telegraph, “although sources have stressed there is still a lot of work to do before Newcastle complete their first transfer of the summer.” Brighton will understandably want full value for their asset, with Newcastle valuing Pedro at around £60 million.

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Mbeumo and Elanga Shifts Reflect Newcastle’s Evolving Strategy

While Bryan Mbeumo had initially looked like the marquee option, The Telegraph confirmed that “Newcastle were forced to end their interest in Mbeumo after the Brentford player signalled his preference for a move to Manchester United.” His wage demands, reportedly described privately as “enormous” and “impossible to match,” made the deal unworkable.

With Mbeumo now out of the frame, Newcastle’s gaze has returned to long-time target Anthony Elanga. Forest remain insistent there has been no contact and want to retain the winger, yet his reported £50 million valuation is well-known at St James’ Park.

Should the Magpies succeed in landing both Pedro and Elanga, it would represent a significant strengthening of their attacking corps, especially crucial with a Champions League campaign ahead.

Defensive Reinforcements Operating Under Radar

Alongside offensive reinforcements, Newcastle are reportedly active in the centre-back market, particularly abroad. While names like Marc Guéhi remain familiar, The Telegraph notes that “Newcastle have regularly scouted Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ousmane Diomande.” The Ivorian is in demand across the Premier League, but Newcastle’s ability to work quietly in Europe may offer them an edge.

This secretive approach recalls the successful pursuit of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan. There’s growing internal satisfaction that many of their top defensive targets remain under wraps, with the foreign market again appearing key.

Sensible Spending and Long-Term Planning

There’s a discernible shift in Newcastle’s recruitment. Rather than chasing headlines, the club is operating with a calculated patience. As The Telegraph states, “Senior figures decided it was better to wait, rather than pay a premium to get early business done.” With several positions to fill, including goalkeeper and midfield depth, that restraint is welcome.

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James Trafford of Burnley, once seen as a logical addition, has become less of a priority. Newcastle still trust Nick Pope, and with Trafford’s price tag approaching £40 million, they are signalling readiness to walk away.

Howe’s preference for signing players who can grow with the club remains evident. Joao Pedro, just 23, fits that vision, youthful, experienced, versatile, and likely to improve further under Howe’s guidance.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Newcastle United fans, this move signals clarity and ambition without excess. Joao Pedro has already proven he can adapt to the Premier League, and he’s nowhere near his peak yet. What makes this move especially exciting is his tactical versatility, he can play across the front three, easing the burden on Isak and Gordon while fitting seamlessly into Howe’s fluid system.

There’s also a quiet pride in the club’s mature stance over Mbeumo. Fans have seen the danger of overpaying in desperation; walking away from a deal that doesn’t match wage structure shows growth. Elanga would be another smart, hungry addition, not a finished product, but someone who could explode under Howe’s guidance.

The secrecy around defensive targets is another positive. Recent successful imports like Botman, Bruno Guimarães, and Tonali show the blueprint is working. Diomande would be a thrilling addition, but even if it’s someone else, supporters trust the club to get it right.

This isn’t just about spending; it’s about building. Patience, planning, and quality over quantity. With Pedro and Elanga in the frame, and the Champions League on the horizon, things are moving in the right direction again.