Newcastle United are planning on making a sizeable offer for Brazilian wide attacker Pepe, who currently plays for FC Porto.
According to journalist Jeremias Wernek, Newcastle United have set their sights on FC Porto’s wide attacker Pepe. The Magpies are eyeing key attacking reinforcements this summer, and are planning to make an offer for the Brazilian winger.
Newcastle United are looking to bring in quality players to St James Park as they plot to challenge for a finish in the European qualifying spots. The Magpies are not spending their wealthy owners’ money lavishly, but instead are making a concerted effort to complete sensible signings.
In January, they were one of the highest spending clubs in the continent, but the Magpies splashed the money on sensible signings that helped them fight off the relegation scare. They are expected to take a similar approach in this window, having already begun their moves in the market.
Matt Targett has already been signed on a permanent deal after his loan spell from Aston Villa. Hugo Ekitike was heavily linked with a move early on, but the player has since reportedly stalled over a transfer to the Magpies. However, they have recently agreed to a move for Burnley keeper Nick Pope, which could be excellent transfer business.
Now, FC Porto’s wide midfielder, Pepe, has become the latest name to be linked with the Magpies. Eddie Howe could be looking at the player as a vital attacking signing to provide competition for the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron in the wide areas of the pitch.
Pepe is a versatile operator who usually played as a left-sided midfielder in Porto’s attacking 4-4-2 system under Sergio Conceicao in what was his debut season in Europe after arriving from Gremio last year. The winger finished the 2021/22 campaign with a tally of six goals and assists apiece from 42 appearances, helping the team win the Portuguese league title.
And Newcastle United are planning on making an offer for Pepe this summer, although how much he would cost remains in question. Porto usually have release clauses inserted in player contracts and could demand the same from interested parties.
Moreover, they owe 12.5% of Pepe’s sale to Gremio, which could prompt the Portuguese side to demand a significant sum from Newcastle. However, the Portuguese giants have already made one major sale this summer, offloading Fabio Vieira to Arsenal, and could be reluctant to lose another important player in Pepe, who has a contract until 2026.