Dream Pedro alternative: Newcastle advancing move for £40m “goal machine”

Newcastle United’s summer transfer activity has finally begun to pick up pace, with signs emerging that the club is actively seeking reinforcements to bolster their squad ahead of a demanding new season. While things had remained quiet in the early stages of the window, the Magpies are now accelerating their efforts behind the scenes, with major moves being plotted to take Eddie Howe’s side to the next level.

The atmosphere around St. James’ Park remains buoyant following a memorable campaign that saw Newcastle secure a top-five Premier League finish, ensuring their return to the UEFA Champions League. The Magpies also added silverware to their cabinet for the first time in decades, lifting the Carabao Cup in March—a clear indication of their upward trajectory under Howe’s leadership.

Now, the attention turns to strengthening a squad that will face the twin demands of European and domestic competition. The club has already tested the waters with a £45 million bid for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, although the offer was turned down. Nevertheless, the approach signals Newcastle’s intent to add pace, power, and goal threat to their front line.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are continuing negotiations for Joao Pedro, the dynamic 23-year-old forward currently on the books at Brighton & Hove Albion. Pedro, who is expected to leave the AMEX this summer, would bring considerable attacking pedigree to Tyneside. Since joining Brighton, the Brazilian has amassed 30 goals and 10 assists in just 70 appearances, showcasing his effectiveness in front of goal and his ability to operate across multiple attacking roles.

Pedro’s versatility is seen as a major asset. He can play off the left, operate as a secondary striker, or support the main centre-forward, making him an ideal foil for Alexander Isak. His relentless energy and technical quality could mesh well with Howe’s high-intensity system, which relies on fluid movement and sharp link-up play.

However, Newcastle are facing stiff competition for Pedro’s signature—Chelsea have also expressed strong interest, which has prompted the Magpies to consider alternative options in case a deal proves too difficult.

One such alternative is a potentially sensational move for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, with reports from Football Insider claiming that Newcastle are exploring the possibility of a loan deal for the England international. If United, now under the sporting guidance of INEOS, fail to secure a permanent exit for Rashford, the Magpies could swoop in to offer him a fresh start.

Rashford, 27, has had a turbulent few seasons at Old Trafford. Once regarded as one of England’s most promising forwards, he has struggled with inconsistency, injuries, and changing tactical systems. Despite these setbacks, he remains a player of immense talent and proven pedigree. With Barcelona also monitoring the situation and Rashford reportedly valued at £40 million, any potential move will require delicate negotiation—not least because of his £300,000-a-week wages, which he may need to reduce to facilitate a transfer.

Eddie Howe is said to be intrigued by the prospect of working with Rashford, drawn to his versatility and goal-scoring instincts. Comfortable playing as a traditional left-winger or in a more central role, Rashford would add dynamism, experience, and depth to Newcastle’s attack. His profile perfectly aligns with Howe’s philosophy, which emphasizes flexibility, pressing, and intelligent off-the-ball movement.

Although Rashford’s form has dipped, the underlying statistics remain impressive. Across his career, he has produced multiple 17-goal Premier League seasons, and in 2023 was lauded as a “goal machine” by journalist Mazola Molefe. Even in a more subdued recent campaign, he managed 10 goal contributions in just 17 matches during a short stint with Aston Villa, reminding observers of his undoubted class.

Data from FBref backs this up—last season, Rashford ranked in the top 14% of Premier League forwards for goals scored per 90 minutes (0.38), indicating a level of attacking output that could flourish in Newcastle’s fluid and energetic system.

While Joao Pedro remains a compelling option and represents a younger, emerging talent, Rashford brings a level of experience and top-level pedigree that few others in the market can match. His track record in the Premier League and for England, combined with the possibility of reigniting his career under Howe’s guidance, makes him an incredibly intriguing proposition.

Of course, Rashford’s situation may still be viewed as a crossroads in his career. Though not yet at a “last-chance saloon” moment, there’s no doubt that a move to Newcastle could serve as a critical turning point—one that either revives his status as a top-tier attacker or signals a shift toward a different role in his career arc.

And if there’s one manager capable of getting the best out of wide players, it’s Eddie Howe. His work with players like Miguel Almirón and Anthony Gordon has proven his ability to develop and elevate attacking talents. A rejuvenated Rashford, surrounded by the ambition and energy of this Newcastle project, could well rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting forwards.

With European football on the horizon and expectations rising, this summer promises to be a pivotal one for the Magpies. Whether it’s Joao Pedro, Marcus Rashford, or both, Newcastle United appear ready to make a bold statement of intent as they prepare for a defining season under Eddie Howe’s leadership.