Kristian Pedersen admits that he was ‘close’ to joining Premier League strugglers Newcastle United from Championship outfit Birmingham City during the summer transfer window, speaking to Bold DK.
It’s no secret that Steve Bruce wanted a left-back at St James’ Park.
And while the manager’s judgement was often the subject of criticism on the Tyneside terraces, even the most ardent members of the ‘Bruce Out Brigade’ would have struggled to disagree with that particular assessment.
Especially now that Matt Ritchie, a converted winger, has been forced to step into a considerable void in the Newcastle starting XI – with decidedly underwhelming results.
Whether Pedersen would have been a silver-bullet solution to Newcastle’s long-running left-back problem is anyone’s guess.
But the 27-year-old Denmark international certainly would have given Bruce a more natural option on the left-hand side.
Why did Kristian Pedersen miss out on his Newcastle United chance?
“It was close with Newcastle this summer,” says Pedersen. “(Birmingham) were called up by Steve Bruce. He said he really wanted me but it did not work out in the end.
“It would have been a really good opportunity for me but, yes, it did not happen. And now they have new owner so I do not know exactly how current (the interest) is anymore.”
Pedersen, who also confirms an approach from Watford ‘a long time ago’, is due to become a free-agent next summer.
And though the former Union Berlin defender has not ruled out signing an extension at St Andrews, there is an acceptance that he will have to look elsewhere if he wants to turn his Premier League dream into a reality.
“I want to play in the Premier League,” Pedersen says. “I have played a few years in the Championship and am still really happy in Birmingham.
“I feel ready (for the top-flight) and that is my biggest dream.”
Newcastle do have a £13 million left-back on theri books in the shape of Jamal Lewis.
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