Look away Eddie Howe as Newcastle United’s £60m blunder has just cut even deeper

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Newcastle United are set to celebrate the arrival of Anthony Elanga during a summer that has already seen Eddie Howe endure plenty of setbacks.

While Newcastle signing Elanga is a step in the right direction, there are various other targets who have passed the Magpies by ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Bryan Mbeumo was too expensive for Newcastle, while Dean Huijsen chose to join Real Madrid. The latter would have been perfect at St James’ Park, but Newcastle are not going to win a transfer battle with Los Blancos.

The most recent player to snub a move to Tyneside is Joao Pedro. He had been Howe’s top target, with Newcastle United prepared to spend a lot of money to bring the Brazilian forward to the North East.

However, Newcastle United missed out on Pedro to Chelsea. The Blues struck a deal worth £60million, as their never-ending spending spree continued.

Joao Pedro shows Newcastle United what they are missing on first Chelsea start

Having passed up the chance to join Newcastle United, Pedro is already making an impression at Chelsea.

The 23-year-old is in America for the Club World Cup and has played a pivotal role in Chelsea reaching the final.

After a substitute appearance in the quarter-final against Palmeiras, Pedro got the chance to start in the semi-final versus his former club Fluminense. Enzo Maresca’s side won 2-0 to advance to the final, with Pedro playing as a central striker and scoring both goals.

They were both outstanding finishes, as Pedro highlighted his prowess in front of goal with two wonder-strikes to open his Chelsea account.

It is an immediate reminder of what Newcastle United could have had. Eddie Howe was frustrated to miss out on Pedro, and you can see why. Pedro showed ruthlessness in front of goal on Tuesday night, as he aims to nail down his place as Chelsea’s main striker.

That position is up for grabs, unlike at Newcastle. While the Magpies really wanted Pedro, it was to compete with Alexander Isak and possibly play out wide. But Pedro wants to be a central striker, and is already proving that is where he belongs.

Newcastle United to prioritise signing Joao Pedro alternative

As Pedro begins to endear himself to the Chelsea faithful, Newcastle United search for an alternative striker.

It is vital that someone arrives, as Howe needs more cover for Isak. Will Osula is currently the only backup striker at St James’ Park following Callum Wilson’s decision to leave.

Bringing in another striker will be challenging for Newcastle, as summed up by the pursuit of Pedro. He fit the bill perfectly, showcasing the type of versatility that Howe is looking for. But Pedro wanted to play consistently as a central striker, despite being capable of operating out wide.

That scuppered Newcastle’s approach, as the impossible task of signing an Isak understudy continues.

Bringing someone in will be tough, but the Toon recruitment team do have options. Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a target, while it has been reported that Newcastle have discussed signing Yoane Wissa from Brentford.