Clearly, Newcastle United cannot sign every player they’re linked to.

While every team in the Premier League and beyond is often tipped as a landing spot for a myriad of different star names, things went into overdrive for Newcastle following the PIF takeover.

They are constantly mentioned on back pages and gossip columns around the world, such is the newfound ambition at St James’ Park.

Still, some links certainly have merit.

Take Lucas Paqueta, for example.

The Brazilian – a great friend of one Bruno Guimaraes – was linked with a move to the club during his days with Lyon. Interestingly, Fabrizio Romano even hinted that Newcastle had considered a bid even after Paqueta’s move to West Ham.

Now, some more insight has emerged.

The one reason Newcastle didn’t sign Lucas Paqueta

The Times have run a feature talking about both Guimaraes and Paqueta. The two friends and international teammates are both said to be of interest to current Premier League champions, Manchester City, this summer.

They report that PIF were indeed scouting Paqueta in the summer of 2022 but the need for a striker to cover and compete with Callum Wilson made them sign Alexander Isak.

Had it not been for that, Paqueta could easily have been a Newcastle player, it seems.

Newcastle made a wise decision in signing Alexander Isak over Lucas Paqueta

Paqueta’s quality can hardly be doubted. Hammers boss David Moyes, after all, hailed him as “incredible”, albeit he did admit the midfielder’s risk-taking on the ball “drives” him “mad”.

Still, Isak has been a remarkable addition for Newcastle.

Hailed as a “generational talent” for his form this season, the Sweden international is surely one of the standout forwards in world football right now.

Paqueta may have been a good signing but it’s difficult to imagine him bringing the cutting edge Isak has.

Related Topics