Nottingham Forest v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Joao Pedro could be on the move from Brighton this summer (Picture: Getty Images)
Brighton striker Joao Pedro is attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea and will be available for around £59m this summer, according to reports.
The 23-year-old has scored 10 Premier League goals in 27 outings this season, after netting nine in 31 in his first campaign with the Seagulls last time round.
It has been a solid, if unspectacular, return from a player who cost a club record £30m when Brighton signed him from Watford in 2023.
However, it has been enough to attract interest from bigger clubs in the Premier League, with the Brazil international on the radar of some of European football’s heavyweights.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that ‘top clubs are aware of the opportunity for potential transfer fee around €70m (£59m).’
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The final decision on a sale will lie with Brighton, but if they can double their money on the Brazilian then they will be tempted to, especially as Romano reports the striker is ‘open to new chapter of his career.’
A move may also have been made more likely after Pedro missed Monday night’s win over Liverpool due to an altercation with a teammate.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Pedro has been hampered by ankle injuries this season (Picture: Getty Images)
The forward was not in the squad for the 3-2 win over the Reds at the Amex, with ‘personal reasons’ being given as the reason for his unexpected omission.
The Athletic have since reported that the absence was actually due to a ‘training ground altercation with team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke.’
Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler was asked about the availability of both Tariq Lamptey and Pedro after the game, but did not give much away on the striker.
‘We have to see,’ he said. ‘“T (Lamptey) has an injury with his knee and Joao had private reasons why he was not available. So, let’s see how it is going to continue.’
AEK Athens FC v Brighton & Hove Albion: Group B - UEFA Europa League 2023/24
The 23-year-old is likely to attract offers from bigger clubs (Picture: Getty Images)
Pedro has been nominated for Premier League Young Player of the Season thanks to his performances this campaign.
Hurzeler said of the nod for the striker: ‘I think it’s very important, not only for the player but also for the club.
‘To understand that as a team that when you’re successful, you play as a team, show togetherness, then individual players can shine.
‘We as Brighton & Hove Albion always try to push young players and give them the platform and stage where they can improve. The platform and stage that they can play, make mistakes, they’re allowed to make mistakes and develop.
‘It’s not only an award for the individual players, but an award for the whole club and the way Brighton & Hove Albion is working.’
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