Newcastle United and Arsenal will be disappointed to see that one of their transfer targets faced serious criticism after a poor performance at Euro 2024.
Premier League clubs will be keeping a keen eye on the Euros this summer to see which players shine and which fall flat on Europe’s biggest stage.
One of the biggest shocks of the tournament was delivered on Wednesday evening when Roberto Martinez’s Portugal side were stunned 2-0 by Georgia.
Admittedly, Portugal decided to rotate their side for their final group game after already securing passage to the knockout stages but the number of poor performances on display was alarming.
Among them was Wolves winger Pedro Neto, who Arsenal showed interest in signing earlier this year.
HITC understands that Newcastle United have also held talks over Neto after having a long-standing interest in the 24-year-old.
Portuguese media criticise ‘dull’ Pedro Neto at Euro 2024
After starting on the bench for Portugal’s opening group games against Czechia and Turkiye, Neto was handed his first start of the tournament against Georgia.
However, the Wolves winger did not take his opportunity with both hands – in fact, quite the opposite.
He struggled in a left wing-back role before being hooked by Martinez with 15 minutes remaining.
Portuguese outlet A Bola gave Neto a four-out-of-10 rating for his display, adding “Very dull. With the mission of occupying the entire corridor, mainly defending, but also attacking, a role in which he practically never found himself. After a poor performance, he left at 75′.”
READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou hails Newcastle transfer target as ‘outstanding’ at Euro 2024 after talks
O Jogo continued the criticism with a five-out-of-10 rating: “He played the entire left wing but didn’t commit to defending and gave some fire to the attack. His crosses came out badly.”
On what was a poor night for Portugal’s national team, Neto was one of many players who struggled to stamp their authority on the game.
Newcastle and Arsenal will not be dissuaded by one performance, while a poor Euros campaign could force Wolves to reconsider their asking price.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
