Lee Ryder has been speaking about how Eddie Howe has been left slightly frustrated by Newcastle United’s transfer business.
The Magpies managed to bring in just four new signings, with Matt Targett joining permanently, so just the three new players who weren’t at the club last year, although they did reportedly try for others such as Joao Pedro, Goncalo Ramos and Conor Gallagher.
Pedro was the one that was seemingly closest to being completed only for a deal to stall once talks progressed over the signing of club-record arrival Alexander Isak and despite the Swede arriving in August, Howe was seemingly still frustrated by the transfer window.
Ryder believes that Howe has been left frustrated by a lack of arrivals, mainly Pedro who may have been attainable.
“A little bit of frustration, he did talk about missing out on a couple of opportunities in the window Pedro probably being the big one at Watford. I think they were keen to get him here and I think he was keen to come here.”
Will Newcastle regret not signing Joao Pedro?
Yes!
No!
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s interest in Pedro…
It was obvious that Newcastle were keen to bring Pedro to Tyneside as the attacking solution to Eddie Howe’s problems when it came to finding someone suitable to push Callum Wilson, but that could also play out wide when required.
However, talks stalled and Newcastle didn’t end up firming up their interest enough to make an offer which was deemed acceptable by Watford and in the end, the attacker reassured fans he would be remaining at Vicarage Road.
However, if Newcastle didn’t end up closing a deal for Pedro because they opted for Isak instead, not many people will have any complaints, especially if his goal-scoring debut is anything to judge him on.