Newcastle United chiefs react angrily after Joao Pedro snub with July plan of action to come

Newcastle United’s transfer strategy faces its first major test of the summer after losing out to Chelsea in the pursuit of Brighton forward Joao Pedro, but club executives remain confident their carefully laid plans will deliver results in the coming weeks.

The Magpies’ hierarchy has maintained composure despite this second significant setback, having previously withdrawn from negotiations for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo due to inflated wage demands before his Manchester United switch.

The Brazilian international’s decision to join Chelsea on a lucrative long-term deal – understood to be a seven-year contract – came despite Newcastle matching the £50 million transfer fee Brighton demanded.

Sources close to the negotiations reveal Pedro’s preference for London life and Chelsea’s aggressive pursuit ultimately swayed the deal, leaving Newcastle’s recruitment team to activate contingency plans as they prepare for a pivotal July in the transfer market.

Behind the scenes at St. James’ Park, work continues unabated on multiple fronts. Negotiations with Burnley for goalkeeper James Trafford remain active following a rejected £27 million bid, with personal terms already agreed in principle.

The 22-year-old shot-stopper’s desire to join provides optimism that this deal could represent Newcastle’s first senior signing, compensating somewhat for the attacking reinforcements that have so far eluded them.

Eddie Howe, alongside head of recruitment Steve Nickson and assistant Andy Howe, has maintained an intensive schedule of talent evaluation throughout the weekend, determined to convert their extensive scouting work into tangible additions.

The imminent departure of sporting director Paul Mitchell on Monday – potentially without overseeing a major signing – does not appear to have disrupted Newcastle’s transfer machinery, with well-established protocols ensuring continuity in their recruitment process.

Supporters’ growing concerns about attacking options are understood to be shared within the club’s leadership, particularly after failed bids for both Pedro and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.

However, Newcastle’s decision-makers remain convinced their multi-layered approach will bear fruit, with July earmarked as the critical month for both incoming and outgoing business.

The club’s participation in the expanded Champions League, combined with their careful financial planning, provides both the incentive and means to compete for quality additions.

This measured response to transfer setbacks reflects lessons learned since the Saudi-backed takeover, where reactive spending has given way to strategic, value-driven recruitment.

While Pedro’s snub undoubtedly stings – especially given Newcastle’s near-signing of the player from Watford in 2022 before opting for Alexander Isak instead – the recruitment team’s extensive network of alternatives ensures they won’t be left scrambling.

As preseason preparations loom, Newcastle’s challenge lies in converting their ambitious plans into completed deals without compromising their principles in a hyper-competitive market.

The coming weeks will test both their negotiation skills and ability to sell their project to targets weighing multiple options, with the club’s hierarchy confident their patience and preparation will ultimately deliver the reinforcements needed for a campaign on four fronts.