Newcastle set to launch bid for £43m “pressing monster”, he’d be 3x better than Pedro
Newcastle United Plotting Summer Striker Reinforcements as Diogo Jota Emerges as Top Target
Newcastle United’s summer transfer window has yet to catch fire, with the Magpies enduring a relatively quiet start despite the club’s lofty ambitions for the 2025/26 campaign. However, with the transfer window still in its early stages, there is a growing sense of optimism on Tyneside. Fresh off the back of a successful season in which they secured Champions League football and lifted the Carabao Cup, Newcastle present an increasingly attractive destination for top-tier talent.
Eddie Howe and the recruitment team at St. James’ Park are clearly intent on building a squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe. Yet, there have already been setbacks—most notably, missing out on Joao Pedro, who is now set for a move to Chelsea. The Brazilian forward had been identified as a perfect fit for Howe’s dynamic, pressing style of football, and losing out on him is undoubtedly a bitter blow.
Still, the club remains focused on strengthening its attacking options, especially with increasing speculation surrounding some of their current stars. While interest in Swedish striker Alexander Isak continues to swirl, Newcastle’s hierarchy remains firm in their stance: Isak is not for sale under any circumstances this summer. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, there is “no chance” of him departing St. James’ Park during this window.
That said, Howe knows that Isak cannot shoulder the goalscoring burden alone, particularly with a packed fixture schedule on the horizon. Newcastle are now actively exploring options to find a reliable, experienced forward to complement their current frontline, and one name in particular has surfaced as a leading candidate.
Newcastle Line Up Move for Calvert-Lewin — But Jota Now in Focus
Initially, Newcastle were believed to be preparing an offer for former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose contract recently expired, making him available as a free agent. Football Insider reports that the Magpies are considering a bid for the 28-year-old, although Fulham are also monitoring his situation closely.
However, any move for Calvert-Lewin comes with significant risk. Once heralded as one of England’s most promising centre-forwards, his career has been increasingly plagued by recurring injury problems. Last season, he managed just three goals in the Premier League and was guilty of spurning 16 clear-cut chances, according to Sofascore. His declining output and physical reliability have cast doubts over whether he would be a suitable solution for Newcastle’s attacking needs.
As a result, the Magpies appear ready to pivot, and attention has now turned towards a more proven Premier League performer—Liverpool’s Diogo Jota.
Diogo Jota Emerges as Primary Target
According to transfer expert Matt Thielen, Newcastle are preparing to submit an official offer for Jota in the coming weeks. The Portugal international, who turns 29 this year, has been on Newcastle’s radar since June, and with Joao Pedro now unavailable, the club is expected to intensify efforts to bring the Liverpool man to the North East.
Liverpool are reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £43 million. While it remains unclear whether Newcastle will be willing to meet that valuation, there is a growing belief that Jota fits the profile of player Howe is seeking—technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and well-versed in high-intensity football.
What Jota Would Bring to Newcastle
Much like Calvert-Lewin, Jota has had his own battles with fitness issues in recent seasons. However, the key difference lies in his output when available. Since arriving at Anfield in 2020, Jota has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most efficient attackers. Despite a relatively modest 2024/25 campaign—he netted six league goals in a title-winning Liverpool side—Jota remains an elite contributor in several key metrics.
According to FBref, last season he ranked in the top 11% of forwards across Europe for total shots per 90 minutes, top 15% for progressive passes, top 11% for progressive carries, and top 18% for tackles. This all-round contribution underlines his versatility and work rate—qualities that would serve him well in Eddie Howe’s demanding system, which emphasizes pressing, quick transitions, and team cohesion.
Former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders once described Jota as a “pressing monster,” and it’s easy to see how he could slot seamlessly into Newcastle’s setup, either as a supporting forward or as a rotation option capable of leading the line.
Losing Pedro, But Gaining a Better Fit?
Joao Pedro may have seemed tailor-made for Newcastle. His creative numbers were outstanding last season, ranking in the top 1% of Premier League forwards for assists and top 12% for progressive passes per 90 minutes. Sofascore also recorded him winning nearly five duels per match, showcasing his blend of finesse and physicality.
However, if the Magpies can successfully land Jota, they may end up with an even more refined attacking weapon—one who has performed consistently at the highest level and brings invaluable Champions League experience. More importantly, Jota could form a dangerous partnership with Isak, providing tactical flexibility and easing the pressure on the Swede across a grueling campaign.
Crucially, Jota wouldn’t be expected to start every game, potentially reducing the likelihood of injury flare-ups and allowing Howe to manage his minutes effectively. Given Newcastle’s increased fixture load, such squad depth could be vital.
What’s Next for the Magpies?
With pre-season fast approaching, Newcastle are keen to wrap up key transfer business as soon as possible. Securing an elite forward remains a top priority, and while Joao Pedro has slipped through their fingers, Diogo Jota could offer a powerful response—if the price is right.
If Newcastle can finalise a deal for the Portuguese star and keep Isak at the club, they will enter the 2025/26 season with a front line capable of challenging for major honours both in England and abroad. It may not have been the start to the window fans envisioned, but the right moves now could make all the difference.