Brighton’s Brazilian defender Igor Julio believes his compatriot Joao Pedro is likely to leave the club this summer.
The 23-year-old forward has attracted strong interest from several top Premier League sides, including Newcastle, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
Pedro joined Brighton from Watford in 2023 for a fee of $41 million and is under contract at the Amex Stadium until June 2028. Since his arrival, he has made 70 appearances for the Seagulls, scoring 30 goals and providing 10 assists across all competitions.
Last season, Pedro netted 10 times in the Premier League but saw his playing time reduced after falling out of favour with new head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
Pedro’s end to the season at Brighton was far from smooth. The Brazilian forward was handed a three-match suspension following a red card in the 4-2 defeat to Brentford and was subsequently left out of the squad for the final two games of the campaign.
His omission came after a reported training ground altercation with Brighton’s Player of the Season, Jan Paul van Hecke.
Despite this, Brighton are expected to demand a fee in excess of £60 million ($81 million) for the highly rated striker during the summer transfer window. Pedro’s preference to live in London could give Arsenal or Chelsea an edge in the race to sign him.
However, Newcastle’s upcoming Champions League campaign and ITS strong pursuit of the striker means the Magpies remain serious contenders.
However Igor believes his teammate should choose Liverpool. "Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, seek new things, take the next step" said the 27-year-old to Trivela.
Joao Pedro
Brighton defender Igor Julio believes Joao Pedro should choose Liverpool over Newcastle (Image: 2025 Crystal Pix/MB Media)
"It seems it will be difficult and complicated for him to stay here, we have to be honest, the club already knows that.
"I told him that he has to think about what he wants from his career. In my opinion, if I were going to a Big Six team, I would go to a team that competes in the Premier League, plays in the Champions League and is always in a position to win.
"I would go to a Liverpool team and I think he would fit in perfectly at Liverpool. It's because I've always dreamed of playing for Liverpool and I would go there. He always told me that he really wants to live in London, so I think he will prioritize what comes from there first.”
Igor Julio believes this summer is the perfect moment for Pedro to make the step up and join a “big club”. "Very happy for him. He deserved it.
"He's been here in England for five years and hasn't played for a big team yet. It's his moment, his time, so he can make the best decision and be happy wherever he goes."