Report: Two mystery transfers Newcastle United are working on after Joao Pedro disaster
Newcastle United Forced to Pivot After Joao Pedro Snub, Eyes Now on Secret Signings
Newcastle United have been dealt a significant transfer setback after officially missing out on one of their top summer targets, Joao Pedro. The Brazilian forward had long been a key name on Eddie Howe’s wishlist, with the Magpies hoping to lure him away from Brighton. However, in a frustrating twist, Pedro has opted for a move to Chelsea instead, leaving Newcastle scrambling to identify and secure an alternative attacking option.
Although some fans on Tyneside remain unfazed by Pedro’s decision, there’s no denying that losing out on a priority target is a disappointment. His versatility and Premier League experience made him an appealing addition to a squad looking to re-establish itself on the European stage. Now, attention has quickly shifted to other potential signings, with supporters growing increasingly anxious as they await a significant breakthrough in the transfer market.
Behind the scenes, though, Newcastle’s recruitment team is hard at work. Despite the apparent lull in visible progress, the club is actively pursuing several deals in preparation for the 2025/26 season, with a particular focus on strengthening both the attack and the defense.
According to The i Paper, Newcastle are currently in negotiations to complete two major signings that have yet to be revealed publicly. One of these targets is reportedly being lined up as a direct replacement for Joao Pedro, while the other is a centre-back, presumably an alternative to long-term target Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace. What makes these potential transfers intriguing is that the identities of the players involved remain tightly under wraps—none of the names have surfaced in the media thus far.
This discretion is intentional. Club officials are determined to avoid the kind of drawn-out transfer sagas that have plagued them in recent windows. Last summer, for instance, Newcastle failed to land Guehi after lengthy speculation and public negotiation, and it’s clear the club has since learned the value of stealth in the market.
In fact, Newcastle United have developed something of a reputation for pulling off “mystery signings” in the new era under Saudi-backed ownership. There have been several instances where deals were nearly completed before news of the move even hit the press. A prime example is the signing of Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad in 2022. Initially considered too expensive, Newcastle shifted their attention to Joao Pedro—only to reverse course when the Isak deal became financially viable. That transfer, completed for a club-record fee of £63 million, was handled almost entirely in private.
A similar tactic was employed in the summer of 2023 when Newcastle were strongly linked with Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan. The high-profile rumours surrounding Barella diverted attention away from a more realistic target—Sandro Tonali of AC Milan. The club quietly secured the Italian midfielder’s signature, in what turned out to be one of the most surprising moves of the window.
Most recently, in August 2024, Newcastle surprised many by completing the low-key signing of young forward Will Osula. The striker, regarded as a project for the future, became the standout acquisition made under Paul Mitchell’s short tenure as sporting director. Though Mitchell has since departed, his approach to low-profile but strategic acquisitions seems to have left its mark.
Now, the responsibility for Newcastle’s transfer dealings falls on the shoulders of head of recruitment Steve Nickson and chief scout Andy Howe. The pair are reportedly spearheading the current search for a Pedro alternative and a defensive reinforcement, both of which the club hope to finalise quietly before any media leaks jeopardise negotiations.
As Newcastle United continue to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, the pressure is mounting to make their next moves count. With the transfer window heating up, Toon fans will be eager to see whether these behind-the-scenes efforts result in another masterstroke—or another missed opportunity.