He’s better than Joao Pedro: Newcastle readying bid for £43m “monster”
Newcastle United have not had a good start to the transfer window. However, the market is still young and the Toon, having qualified for the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup, presents an exciting project indeed.
There’s no doubt that Eddie Howe will be dismayed after missing out on Chelsea-bound Joao Pedro, but a high-level forward should still be posted to St. James’ Park sooner rather than later.
Even so, he needs some support up front, and Newcastle have found a Premier League-proven name to reel in this summer.
Newcastle ready to bid for Premier League star
Football Insider believe that Newcastle are gearing up to make their move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 28, who is a free agent after his contract with Everton expired. Fulham are also keen.
However, United may want to seriously consider whether this is the best track to head down. DCL, as he is colloquially known, has long been plagued by injury problems and only scored three times in the Premier League last term, missing 16 big chances, as per Sofascore.
That’s why they are ready to look elsewhere.
According to transfer insider Matt Thielen, Newcastle are now expected to test Liverpool’s resolve and bid for Diogo Jota as Pedro jets off over the pond to sign for Chelsea.
Having registered their interest in the 28-year-old Portugal international in June, the Magpies are now in the position to indeed shape their curiosity into something more concrete.
Liverpool would reportedly be looking for a £43m fee, but whether Howe’s side are willing to pay such a figure remains to be seen.
What Diogo Jota would bring to Newcastle
The fitness-related issues Calvert-Lewin is so beset by could also be attributed to Jota, but where the Englishman has toiled, Jota has been one of the most prolific players in the Premier League since joining Liverpool four years ago.
Jota did have a somewhat frustrating 2024/25 campaign in spite of Liverpool winning the league, only scoring six times in the top flight.
However, he still ranked among the top 11% of forwards across Europe last term for shots taken, the top 15% for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries and the top 18% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.
Hailed as a “pressing monster” by former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders, he would work well in Howe’s system, reliant as it is on transitional play, on swiftness and synergy.
Pedro would have been perfect in that regard, having ranked among the top 1% of forwards in last year’s Premier League for assists and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90. Sofascore also record that he won 4.9 duels per fixture.
It’s a shame Newcastle are missing out on such qualities, but then, in Jota, Howe will land a player of likeness, bearing a more cultured head too.
Moreover, the experienced forward’s proven success in the Champions League theatre only strengthens the argument that he should be signed. Newcastle need depth and quality to propel them into the later stages of Europe’s foremost competition.
Of course, Pedro also demonstrated his ability on the continent when starring for Brighton through their 2023/24 Europa League campaign, but this will prove a different kettle of fish.
Let’s move forward on the premise that Newcastle are retaining Isak’s services. The Athletic’s David Ornstein, by the by, believes there’s “no chance” he leaves the club this summer.
Therefore, Jota would be the perfect partner for the Swede at the front of the ship: he’s clinical, dynamic and proven at the highest level over a number of years; he wouldn’t be expected to start every week, thus limiting the potential of a damaging injury.
Newcastle need to sign a new frontman, hopefully before pre-season enters full swing. Pedro’s out of the equation, but in Jota, Howe might just get something fit for the job.
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