Newcastle came close to nabbing Watford forward Joao Pedro last August. The Magpies continued negotiations after a round of bids were rejected with the final one totaling around £30m.
Further bids never materialized as Newcastle decided to make a much bigger splash with the signing of Alexander Isak for a club-record fee. Watford eventually tied Pedro down on a new long-term deal to 2028 with Isak now the toast of Tyneside after his recent displays.
The Athletic is reporting that Pedro is still on The Magpies’ radar as they continue to track his progress. However, Watford’s demands will only increase if any clubs come knocking this summer. There is little chance Newcastle will meet Watford’s valuation after coming up short nine months ago.
The 21-year-old has bagged 9 goals with a further 2 assists in the Championship this term. His versatility, an aspect of his game that Eddie Howe covets, has been on full display. He has been deployed across the front three as well as a number 10.
Watford are struggling in their return to England’s second flight. They are currently in 10th and 5 points adrift from a playoff place. Failure to gain promotion could affect the Brazilian’s desire to remain at Vicarage Road.
Pedro has other admires in England as well as Serie A giants AC Milan. Watford’s sporting director Cristiano Giaretta is unfazed by the interest in his star telling Tuttomercatoweb the following:
“I can say that he has an ‘England’ price, we haven’t received any requests or proposals from Italy.
“He has many admirers in the Premier League but the truth, and we are happy about it, is that he is 110 percent focused on our run-up to the play-offs.”
If Watford hold firm to their demands, the ship on a move to Newcastle has likely sailed for Pedro. Newcastle showed in August they will not bow to meet Watford’s valuation. That is unlikely to change this summer despite what is expected to be a larger budget.
189 comments so far
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Mar 22, 2023 at 3:45 PM
Comment #81So it looks as if NUFC are introducing a “Fans Advisory Board” by the start of next season.
“The club agrees that the following ‘Heritage Assets’ will be in scope for fan discussion:
– First Team Home Shirt Club Colours
– Club Crest
– Club Name”
So, I can possibly get on board with the need to refresh the club crest, but surely those two other things cannot be “in scope” for discussion and that any fan review of those items would result in an overwhelming desire to maintain the name and the home club colours so it’s a pointless exercise.
CLINT FLICK
Mar 22, 2023 at 3:46 PM
Comment #82https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/newcastle-united-publishes-fan-engagement-review/
Check it!
CLINT FLICK
Mar 22, 2023 at 3:48 PM
Comment #83Ruddy
But how ya gonna kniw if ya don’t even ask the question?
Toon fans bad
Mar 22, 2023 at 3:49 PM
Comment #84How long will wor Eddie persevere with Maxi if he continues to blank is the conundrum. Not sure he’ll issue the same latitude as has done for Wilson I’d expect.
Maxi is obviously doing all required in training, displaying right attitude and all that, just needs to stick one in top bins maybe!
Transfer Sage
Mar 22, 2023 at 3:51 PM
Comment #85Clint (and others)
We struggle to score. We’re the lowest scorers in the top 8 and have nobody in the top 20 for assists in the league.
As much as ASM might the one who has potential to unlock defences playing in a low block, or at least make space for others when people double/triple up on him, he just isn’t doing it as you say.
I’d also argue though that it’s not just an ASM issue, none of our players regularly create a lot of chances. I think it’s something Howe will address in the summer. Partly in the transfer market by bringing in higher quality creative players but also by adjusting our style to make us better able to break teams down.
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Mar 22, 2023 at 3:52 PM
Comment #86Clint
Do we need data to confirm we all want to retain the name Newcastle United and that our home colours should be black and white stripes? If the goal is to capture data from fans to confirm that the sky is indeed blue, then crack on.
Seems a fairly pointless endeavour. A fans advisory board is a very important move for greater fan engagement in club matters, but I would rather such efforts were geared towards issues around ticket allocation, safe standing et al. Not items that are fundamental to what the club is and always has been.
magscar
Mar 22, 2023 at 3:52 PM
Comment #87Not sure i’d agree that Liverpool are that different to Man City in transfer strategy except Liverpool have no choice but to do as they do – if they didn’t have this supposd ceiling would their policy be more like ours has been?
Players they have bought haven’t necessarily been under the radar VVD was much coveted and they paid a lot of money (record for a defender?)
They like others in top 6 used Southampton as a nursery where ready made PL players being much coveted were picked off (happenning with Brighton now)
They got Winjnaldum after he had been attracting several other clubs ( ducked out on Sissoko though)
Why not look at say Arsenal as a comparison?
Other clubs with sudden money would follow Chelsea and Man City big spending way unless handicapped by FFP – yes we would be a bit freer wthout FFP handcuffs but would follow similar strategy I reckon
I think the unique way we are going if sustained is something we fans will buy into and stay with if success arrives
Transfer Sage
Mar 22, 2023 at 3:53 PM
Comment #88Ruddy
Unless they mean those will be items that can only be changes with fan consultation, as opposed to them actively asking fans if they can change them now… if that makes sense.
More like making these items effectively like listed buildings which need special permission to be changed and not done on the owners whim.
The Taco Taker
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:00 PM
Comment #89Clint, but the lack of creativity is not something where Maxi is the only cause (and yes he is one of our most creative players) our lack of creativity is widespread. If the thinking is is we need more creativity then the solution should be to augment players like Maxi not replace them.
Funnily enough when you hear people listing positions we should be signing players for they don’t say “LW” yet they still want to offload Maxi. There just appear to be this assumption that Gordon is now number 1 for that position and that big Joe and Murphy are sufficient cover for that position irrespective of the fact that LW is not their only position.
Transfer Sage
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:00 PM
Comment #90Magscar
You could argue Arsenal are more like Liverpool…. buying a ready made PL keeper with experience in the league, 50million on White and 25 million on Trossard from Brighton, 35 million on Zinchenko from man city, 45 million on Jesus from City, buying Odegaard from Real Madrid.
They have brought in a few younger players but probably not too much more than Liverpool.
Ideally I’d want us to do our own way. Like I was saying earlier, buy talented players who are 18-21, that we develop and bring through by giving them game time. Accepting they will make mistakes and not pressuring managers into quick success as elite clubs often do. Then add the odd talented player older than that like we did with Bruno who still has a lot of development to go but is more ready for first team football.
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:01 PM
Comment #91TS
The issue is that this point is entirely ambiguous and it is unclear as to whether this is a move to shore up these assets as immovable without widespread fan consultation, or whether they are immediately at the forefront of discussions from the outset.
As someone who was a NUST board member during the Ashley era at a time when Ashley had banned the Trust from the Fans Forum before winding it down entirely short afterward, I am delighted to see the club commit to deepening fan engagement so this is a positive step in the main. I just think communicating such sensitive and crucial aspects in such a clumsy and ambiguous way is an error on the part of the club.
magscar
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:08 PM
Comment #92TS
I suppose my point is that the only difference in top 6 is that some have greater financial freedom and exercise it accodingly and i doubt the other 4 would do any different as your Arsenal signing list perhaps shows ?
On fans advisory I’m with you – the only thing that would make sense is if
Club name and/or colours could be “varied” for sponsorship reasons?
Bit like renaming stadium?
If it is a realistic and moneyspinning option would we sell our soul?
CLINT FLICK
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:13 PM
Comment #93But as our ‘so-called’ mist creative player…
Ruddy
You against a question on a sheet of paper, then?
😉
Just saying.
We avoid difficult questions a-go-go in this country…all I’m saying is ask, anyway!
CLINT FLICK
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:14 PM
Comment #94Taco
We create plenty, we just aren’t putting it in the net.
magscar
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:15 PM
Comment #95TS
On transfer strategy I think whilst there will be an underpinning method combining younger potential and readymade “hit the ground running” players as well as Academy fillers
as i posted a few days back the balance and actioning of it will be affected by various factors
It will depend on where we are squad wise at beginning of window, what are priority postions , who is available etc
This window will be different to the other 3
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:18 PM
Comment #96CF
Sorry, I’m not grasping what you’re alluding to there but I’ll respond to what I think you’re suggesting. I’m not against “asking” the question, what I’m querying is what purpose does asking the question serve? I don’t have the data, but I think we all know in our heart of hearts that every Newcastle United fan wants us to retain the name Newcastle United and to play in black and white. So what purpose does asking the question serve?
As TS suggested previously, if what they are actually saying is to confirm that these ‘Heritage Assets’ will not be changed without widespread fan consultation and engagement then that’s fine and I am entirely supportive of this approach. But then a slight gripe is that they have not made this clear at all with this announcement so this ambiguity and lack of clarity is unnecessary and avoidable.
CLINT FLICK
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:18 PM
Comment #97Ruddy
The isn’t actually blue, mate… it’s reflected.
“If you scoop up a little of the sky, hold it up to ya eye, it ain’t blue no more”
CLINT FLICK
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:19 PM
Comment #98Ruddy
Just a point of order, mate.
I wouldn’t wanna change such things.
😉
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:20 PM
Comment #99CF
I am aware that the sky is reflected, it’s a turn of phrase bud.
CLINT FLICK
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:20 PM
Comment #100*sky isn’t
CLINT FLICK
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:21 PM
Comment #101Ruddy
Never heard of such a thing…
😀
I’m joshing mate!
Sorry!
😀
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:22 PM
Comment #102I know you’re joshing mate 😆
I am supportive of the creation of a fans advisory board and think it’s a very positive step for improving relationships between the club and fans. I’m just slightly concerned about this particular issue and would like greater clarity from the club on this.
Mister Tuff
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:26 PM
Comment #103Seems a bit strange that point about the colours of the home strip. Got to be black and white stripes. The other strips I could not care less.
Very strange that is the history/heritage of the club, black and white, the magpie bird is black and white, songs etc etc.
I would love to know the reasoning behind this.
The Taco Taker
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:29 PM
Comment #104Clint, then our issue is finishing not creativity 😉
On this fan engagement thing the wording does seem odd, the brochure says “agree heritage assets” which you would think mean “there are things we are not touching” – but then what is to discuss so why later say “The club agrees that the following ‘Heritage Assets’ will be in scope for fan discussion”
Mister Tuff
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:30 PM
Comment #105Ed/ Neil you need to do a blog poll on the colours of the home strip.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:33 PM
Comment #106Taco – I think Maxi will be off, freeing up some money for another signing who can play in that position. I also wonder if Wilson might be off and the same thing happens. Same goes for Dubs+Darlow+Karius.
Depends on those players having a buyer though, of course. Otherwise any of them could stick around as backup.
I’m almost certain that Karius is off though. I figure he’d have signed a longer term deal in January if he/Howe wanted it to happen and I also think he’s off to Italy in summer where I believe his missus lives.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:34 PM
Comment #107Mister Tuff – do a blog poll on the home strip and then ban anyone who votes for something other than the obvious? 😉
Adamn_92
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:36 PM
Comment #108Before I sign off for today I thought i’d leave you with this little story I just read about Gazza and Sir Bobby on England duty:
“There was a noise in the room opposite mine,” Tony Cottee told FFT. “I walked in and Gazza was launching bars of soap, trying to hit the chickens in the courtyard. Every time he hit a chicken, he’d scream in celebration.
“Bobby Robson came in and said, ‘Gazza! What are you doing?’ Gazza said, ‘Throwing soap at the chickens’ arses, boss.’ Bobby said, ‘Oh OK, that’s all right’ and walked off. Because it was Gazza, he got away with it – anyone else would have got told off!”
Mister Tuff
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:41 PM
Comment #109TDS – yes – excellent name the fu**ers and get them banned/beat them up.
Could set that blog Martial Arts/ Kung Fu bloke to attack hem with his barbed wire.
Or a more horrible punishment would be having the culprits forcibly attend an hour long lecture by Lesh about joining the Labour Party.
Assassins Inc
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:44 PM
Comment #110Thiago Almada, good shout from Lee Bunga and anyone else that mentioned him.
Great skills, good shooter, fast, Messi said he is quality and loves this kid.
If Newcastle are looking for younger players that can go now and build that type of squad he is one to look at.
Couple of others to look at : Jesus Ferreira and Riqui Puig. The MLS does hold some great prospects and some young players that are already internationals.
DrGloom
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:45 PM
Comment #111How much would we realistically get for ASM .. 10M – 15M, he’s allegedly on 38k a week which wouldn’t cover someone like Diaby who is apparently asking for 100k a week – we’ll get nowt for Clarke, Ritchie, Dummett, Hayden, Hendrick , Manquillo( and most likely Hayden, Hendrick, Manquillo will refuse to leave and therefore still need paying ( Hayden even said as much in some chrono article a while back).
We’ll prob get 3 mil for Fraser and 2 mil for Lewis…if we can find a buyer
The Taco Taker
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:47 PM
Comment #112I am not saying it is impossible that Maxi or Wilson could be sold if a good offer came in I just feel they are still two of the best options we have in the squad and the main thing our squad lacks is depth in quality. Given this it would be better to invest in players who augment our squad.
To me there are a dozen players that should be gone before Maxi or Wilson.
The GK situation is of course somewhat different as Pope is clearly number 1 and we simply can’t keep all our goalies happy.
dazzler
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:48 PM
Comment #113Mind you that anniversary strip was a thing of beauty. One big black stripe and one big white stripe. Technically it’s different but fundamentally still the same.
…And it was lush…
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:50 PM
Comment #114Seems a lot of new signing talk flying round social media, surely it’s way too early to know who are targets are, you have to think that the likes of Chris Waugh are well informed but it has to depend on where we finish that’ll determine our primary targets. If it’s CL to we aim higher than a Pedro.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:52 PM
Comment #115I’ve seen a good few posters and lads at work saying there won’t be that many signings this summer. I don’t know how anyone can think we can get away without at the very least a minimum of six.
dazzler
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:55 PM
Comment #116Raj,
I fully expect a load of bodies in many of them in early once the season is done and we know where we are.
We are going to be losing a few out of the squad too I’d expect so reckon it could be 6 plus replacements, with replacements being young squad players.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 22, 2023 at 4:58 PM
Comment #117dazzler,
Given that we were threadbare in MF before Shelvey left, Wilson’s injury record and Wood leaving, the players out of contract and those handful simply not good enough, six just about leaves us standing still albeit with much more added quality.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 22, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Comment #118Targets definitely open up if teams get relegated, Rice becomes a very attractive option as does that Brennan Johnson.
NY Mag
Mar 22, 2023 at 5:09 PM
Comment #119Would anyone take paqueta if west ham get relegated?
I haven’t watched him, so have no idea on his performance. A lot of people had him nailed on to sign for us last summer
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 22, 2023 at 5:09 PM
Comment #120Taco – yeah, there’s several players higher up the list to sell/loan out before Wilson or Maxi get sold that’s for sure. Selling them also creates more work for the recruitment team to replace them too.
That’s why I’ve said that incomings are partially dependent on outgoings. I don’t think we need signings at LW or CF if Maxi and Wilson stay. Maybe a right sided forward who can cover Almiron and Isak/Wilson but probably no more than that. Then again, maybe there will be no attacking signings for the first team and we have Almiron+Murphy on the right next season. If we get Maddison I reckon he can cover there too if required.