Eddie Howe. (REUTERS/Lee Smith)
Newcastle United enjoyed a memorable 2024/25 season—lifting the FA Cup for the first time in 70 years and finishing fifth in the Premier League to secure a coveted Champions League spot.
With a squad already boasting stars like striker Alexander Isak and midfield maestro Bruno Guimarães, manager Eddie Howe is eager to strengthen further. His aim: to keep pace with a gruelling fixture list and elevate the Magpies to genuine contenders both domestically and in Europe.
‘Improve, not stagnate,’ has been the club’s mantra heading into the summer.
So far, though, progress in the transfer market has been limited. The only arrival to date is highly rated young winger Antonio Cordero, signed on a free from Spanish second-division side Málaga.
Newcastle have been pursuing a number of higher-profile targets, but according to the latest reports, two of their most ambitious pursuits now appear to be slipping away.
Newcastle Set to Miss Out on Guehi and Pedro
In a significant setback for Howe’s summer plans, Newcastle look poised to lose out on both Marc Guéhi and João Pedro—two long-standing targets.
The Magpies have been tracking Crystal Palace centre-back Guéhi for over a year. Last summer, the club submitted four bids, the final one reaching around £65 million, only to be rebuffed by Palace. They were expected to return for the England international this window, especially with him entering the final year of his contract.
However, The Mirror now reports that Liverpool are closing in on a deal for the 24-year-old, as part of their ongoing summer rebuild. The Reds have already secured Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong, and Guéhi could soon follow.
Guéhi is said to be open to a move to Anfield—provided he’s guaranteed a regular starting spot under new manager Arne Slot.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s pursuit of João Pedro has also taken a hit. The club had a £50 million bid for the Brighton & Hove Albion striker rejected last week, and all signs now point to a move to Chelsea instead.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are ramping up negotiations for the 23-year-old Brazil international.
“Understand Chelsea have now intensified talks to advance on João Pedro deal,” Romano wrote on X, adding that the Blues are now “pushing” for Pedro, “having been interested since start of June.”
The Daily Mail also claims Pedro is currently “leaning towards a move to Chelsea.”
For Newcastle and their fans, the double disappointment will sting—especially after such a successful season. With Champions League football on the horizon and ambitions riding high, missing out on two top-tier targets is a timely reminder of the fierce competition at the top of English football.
Howe and the recruitment team will now need to pivot quickly and decisively to avoid falling behind.
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