Newcastle United have begun talks for Brighton forward Joao Pedro, but Eddie Howe must be aware of recent comments from Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler.
After barely spending a penny in the last three transfer windows, the Magpies are to be let off the leash and given the opportunity to spend a hefty transfer kitty.
Newcastle United have silently benefited from their PSR struggles and are now on the other side with over £150m to spend this summer. Eddie Howe wants to improve several positions at Newcastle this summer, with Joao Pedro identified to add more options in attack.
On Monday, it was reported that Newcastle have begun talks with Brighton for Pedro, with Howe valuing the Brazilian at around £60m. The 23-year-old is reportedly very eager to leave Brighton this summer and has already confirmed his intentions to leave the club to his teammates.
As Newcastle speed up the chase for Pedro, Howe must listen to recent comments from Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler about his attitude, which he may not like.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler hugs Joao Pedro after a game between Brighton and Joao Pedro
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Fabian Hurzeler speaks out on Joao Pedro’s conduct amid Newcastle United talks
Not only can he play as a striker, but Pedro is extremely versatile, something that Howe will love. His chance creation statistics show that he could play as a right-winger if needed, a position that desperately needs depth this summer.
Talks between the player and the club are underway, with reports suggesting Newcastle and Brighton are on the same page with their valuation of him.
However, Newcastle may be less than pleased to learn about questions over his conduct. They were inadvertently sent a warning by Hurzeler about it during a press conference in May.
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On Pedro, Hurzeler told Sussex World: “With Joao we had a small issue in training, the type which isn’t uncommon from time to time in all football clubs. We dealt with it internally and the matter is closed.
“Joao is an incredible football player, he’s a match-winner for us, he’s a great player and that’s why we invested in him.
“But there are principles that are non-negotiable and count for everyone – that everyone has to stick to – where we don’t make any compromises.”
Howe should also note that Pedro’s discipline throughout the season was also questionable, with the striker picking up seven yellow cards and a red card against Brentford in May. He was also handed a suspension the reverse fixture against the Bees for swinging an elbow at a player off the ball.
Joao Pedro has the opportunity to settle at Newcastle United
Having missed out on the move in 2022, Newcastle are now back in for Pedro and are keen to make a deal happen three years later.
Pedro admitted that he was upset that his Newcastle move broke down, but he got the Premier League transfer he had been so desperate for a year later when Brighton came knocking. The Brazilian enjoyed a bright season in the Premier League, getting amongst the goals and providing assists for his teammates, but he now feels it is time to move on.
2024/25 Premier League Statistics Joao Pedro
Appearances 27
Goals 10
Assists 6
Howe has previously done a stellar job of rehoming Premier League players who have looked unhappy at their old clubs. A prime example of that is Anthony Gordon. The winger was seriously struggling at Everton but has thrived on Tyneside after making the £45m move in January 2023.
It can be the same case for Pedro if a deal is agreed. The Brazilian can make a fresh start at a new club and benefit from Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton’s presence at the club.