Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
Joao Pedro has impressed since joining Brighton (Picture: Getty Images)
Liverpool are eying up a move for Brighton striker Joao Pedro, with reports suggesting that negotiations will begin in January.
The 23-year-old joined Watford from Fluminense in 2020 and scored 24 goals in 109 appearances for the Hornets. spending time in the Premier League and Championship.
The Seagulls spent £30m on his services in the summer of 2023 and he had an impressive first season with the club, scoring 20 goals in all competitions.
His progress has been restricted somewhat by injury this season but he has been good when available, scoring four goals in nine games and providing three assists.
Brazilian publication UOL reports that Liverpool have been suitably impressed and are ready to make their move in 2025.
The report states that the Reds have been following Pedro’s progress for years and will look to begin negotiations with Brighton in January in the hope of a summer move.
The Brazil international has a contract with the Seagulls which runs until the summer of 2028.
Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
Pedro has scored four Premier League goals so far this campaign (Picture: Getty Images)
If Liverpool pull off the transfer then it will be another high profile move between the clubs after Alexis Mac Allister swapped the Amex for Anfield in 2023.
The Argentina international only cost an initial £35m, although that fee could rise to £55m with add-ons.
How much Brighton would ask for Pedro’s signature is not clear at this time, but it would certainly be a lot more than the £30m they paid for him.
Newcastle United FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Liverpool manager Arne Slot could have a new striker in his squad next season (Picture: Getty Images)
Liverpool signing Pedro would be a blow to the struggling Darwin Nunez who has come in for criticism from Reds fans as he struggles for form and goals.
Speaking after another misfiring performance in the 1-0 win at Girona in the Champions League this week, Slot said of the Uruguayan: ‘What I can agree on is that he missed a few chances.
‘Then it’s always the question: does this have anything to do with low confidence or is this a situation where he’s in at the moment?
‘I think every striker all around the world has periods where every ball goes in, and sometimes he has a period where you try so hard but you’re not able to score.
‘The good thing is that we have many players that can score for us – today Mo again. I would have loved to see Darwin score because I think every striker wants to score [and] needs goals – that’s why I kept him in for quite a long time.
‘He was a threat but unfortunately he couldn’t score.’
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