How Newcastle United actually hurt their own bid for Joao Pedro, he was ‘stung’

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Newcastle United are facing up to the reality of missing out on Joao Pedro to Chelsea.

Pedro is officially a Chelsea player, with the 23-year-old already primed for his Blues debut at the Club World Cup in America.

All the while, Newcastle United are left to ponder what might have been. Despite a lengthy pursuit from the Magpies, Pedro’s preference was to join Chelsea and live in London.

That has been cause for frustration from Toon fans, who have questioned why the club targeted the forward for so long if his intention was to move to Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle United snubbing Joao Pedro in 2022 may have influenced his decision to join Chelsea

But it is not that simple, as Newcastle United were of the belief that Pedro was open to joining Eddie Howe’s side.

That is according to the Athletic, who report that Newcastle had initially been led to believe that the Brazilian forward was willing to head to St James’ Park.

Geordie Boot Boys also understand that Pedro was open to joining Newcastle United, despite Chelsea being his preference.

Interestingly, the Athletic suggest that Pedro’s decision to choose Chelsea over Newcastle may have been influenced by what happened in the summer of 2022. Newcastle were trying to sign Pedro from Watford, only to end their pursuit in favour of a deal for Alexander Isak.

The Athletic report that Pedro was ‘stung’ by what Newcastle United did three years ago.

Newcastle United made the right decision in 2022

If what happened in 2022 did influence Pedro’s decision then Newcastle United cannot really have any complaints, nor should they have any regrets.

While it was perhaps harsh to suddenly ditch their interest in Pedro, the Magpies had a golden opportunity to sign the striker of their dreams. It was a chance that they could not pass up.

The Magpies bought Isak for £63million, with the Sweden international becoming Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever. It is a decision that the club have not regretted, with Isak scoring 62 goals in 109 Toon appearances.

• Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer

The 25-year-old has established himself as one of the world’s best strikers. He is a player that every other club wishes they had, with Liverpool and Arsenal linked with signing him.

But they cannot afford him, as Newcastle get set to keep Isak.

He will not be joined on Tyneside by Pedro, much to the Magpies’ frustration. However, if the Isak deal in 2022 was a factor in his decision then so be it. You will not find a single Newcastle United fan complaining.