In a recent report, Globo Esporte mentioned that Newcastle United have made a failed €35m bid for Porto winger Pepe. It has been mentioned that the Magpies’ latest offer has been declined by the Portuguese club for their Brazilian talent.
Pepe’s Impressive Form In Portuguese Football Last Season
The 25-year-old had a decent season at the Estádio do Dragão as he put in some good performances for Porto in the opposition half. Pepe participated in 28 matches for the Portuguese giants in the previous campaign, scoring four times and securing three assists in Liga Portugal.
The Brazilian sensation was a reliable performer in the final third after he averaged 0.9 shots, 1.2 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Portuguese top tier. He was even tidy when distributing possession in the opponent’s half as he completed 83.5% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Should Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe Go Back In For Pepe This Summer?
Pepe has got a good football IQ and can create a few decent chances for others around him in the opposition half. He can make a few dangerous runs with the ball out on the wide areas and is proficient at engineering space for himself to get a few strikes in at goal.
Someone of the Brazilian’s skillset will be a welcome addition to Newcastle‘s squad as Eddie Howe is in dire need to add more firepower to his attack.
Pepe is good enough to increase competition for places within the Magpies‘ squad. However, there are some concerns over whether he would be able to handle the physical nature and high intensity of Premier League football if Howe can find a way to get a deal done for him this summer.
The Tyneside outfit should definitely think about going in with an improved offer for the Brazilian attacker before the end of this summer transfer window. At 25, Pepe will only get better with each season and could help Newcastle push for a European spot over the next few years. Hence, he will be a decent option for Howe to consider in this off-season.
