How are Newcastle United going to fare next season? Around the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign, the skyrocketing ascent under Eddie Howe’s wing had been stunted by a disappointing transfer window, following failure to qualify for European football.
But United marched back into the Champions League despite the setbacks, finishing fifth in the Premier League. Moreover, Howe led his team to glory, to the Carabao Cup.
Now, the focus is on building, particularly towards a move for Anthony Elanga.
Newcastle in talks for new forward
Elanga has been the subject of a rejected £45m offer, Newcastle’s second in as many summers, and while Nottingham Forest don’t want to play ball, redoubled efforts might just seal the Sweden star’s signature.
Such a player is duly needed. Miguel Almiron’s winter flight over the pond has left Jacob Murphy somewhat isolated on the right. Elanga will add athletic quality and widen the dimensions of Howe’s frontline. So could Joao Pedro.
Indeed, as per GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle remain intent on signing Brighton & Hove Albion star Pedro, who is anticipated to leave the AMEX this summer.
Saying that, Tony Bloom isn’t likely to budge on his £60m valuation, the 23-year-old being one of the most talented rising stars in the Premier League, and eyed by Chelsea besides.
However, Newcastle have been engaged in productive talks with the south coasters and could move to the advanced stages soon. Previously, the Toon have been regarded as favourites for Pedro.
What Joao Pedro would bring to Newcastle
Newcastle plan to open contract talks with Alexander Isak as interest mounts in the world-class striker’s services. United’s £200m price tag, frustratingly, hasn’t dissuaded Liverpool and the like from keeping on Isak’s trail.
But the nine is not expected to be going anywhere this year, and Pedro would arrive offering competition and the prospect of a new attacking combination from his shadow or out on the left.
The Brazilian forward, who joined Brighton from Watford for around £30m two years ago, has symmetrically posted 30 goals and ten assists across 70 matches.
|
Joao Pedro – Career Stats by Position |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Position |
Apps |
Goals |
Assists |
|
Centre-forward |
119 |
34 |
18 |
|
Left winger |
40 |
14 |
0 |
|
Attacking midfield |
27 |
11 |
1 |
|
Right winger |
5 |
0 |
0 |
|
Data via Transfermarkt |
|||
Principally a central player, Pedro is swift and purposeful on the ball, endowed with some of that Seleção style too, hailed by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard for his “magical” ability on the ball.
Elanga, too, is good on the ball, but he’s also absolutely rapid – the third fastest player in the league as it happens – and he could use his pace to latch onto the technical range that Pedro expands his team’s capacity with.
As per FBref, the Seagulls star ranks among the top 1% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent’s goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
He also created 11 big chances in the Premier League last year, as per Sofascore, and averaged 1.1 dribbles and just shy of five duels per game.
Over at the City Ground, Elanga has coined himself “one of the fastest players in the Premier League”, and no doubt would marry such rapidity with an increased potency in Howe’s system, having impressed with six goals and 11 assists for Forest last year.
If Newcastle can strengthen their ranks with both of these Prem-proven stars, there’s no question that Howe will have the tools to fashion even greater success next year and beyond.
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