Newcastle United have built much of their recruitment model around spotting talent before it fully settles elsewhere, and that often brings stories of deals that never quite happened.

Luís Boa Morte has now offered a revealing look at one such moment from his own career, reflecting on a move that, in his words, was not what he truly wanted.

Speaking to Portuguese newspaper A BOLA, the former West Ham, Fulham and Arsenal winger opened up about the circumstances that took him to England at a young age.

His comments point to a decision shaped more by necessity than desire, something Premier League clubs – including Newcastle United – still look to exploit in the market.

“What I would’ve liked most” – the path not taken

Luís Boa Morte made it clear that staying at Sporting CP youth academy was always his priority at the time, even as interest arrived from abroad.

“I didn’t want to go to Arsenal. What I would’ve liked most was to stay at Sporting, but with a better contract,” he explained.

Rather than actively pushing for a move, he found himself forced into one after failing to secure improved terms in Lisbon.

But then...