Brighton striker Joao Pedro has been linked with a move to Newcastle this summerplaceholder image
Brighton striker Joao Pedro has been linked with a move to Newcastle this summer | Getty Images
Newcastle United are pushing to sign Brighton forward Joao Pedro but face competition from Chelsea.
Newcastle United saw a £45million plus £5m in add-ons bid for Pedro rejected this week, though they are expected to return with an improved offer with the Seagulls open to selling. Chelsea have also held talks.
Brighton have set a valuation of £60m, double what they paid to sign the Brazilian from Watford in 2023. In his two years on the South Coast, Pedro has scored 30 goals in 70 appearances.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler provides Joao Pedro update
Fabian Hurzeler’s side are due back for pre-season next week and the German manager expects Pedro to be part of the group.
Not only has Pedro been the subject of intense transfer speculation, but there was also an issue at the back end of last season when he was left out of the matchday squad for the final two matches following a training ground bust-up with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.
But alongside Kaoru Mitoma, who is also attracting interest from other clubs, Pedro is expected to be reintegrated into the squad from the first day of pre-season.
“Yeah, for sure,” Hurzeler said when asked if the pair would be back for pre-season. “I am really looking forward for both of them. They are great players, they helped us last season so they are expected to be back next week.”
Talks between Brighton and Newcastle continue. Eddie Howe is keen to see at least one new player come through before his side return for pre-season on Monday, July 7.
Joao Pedro speaks about failed Newcastle United move in 2022
Pedro agreed to Newcastle in 2022 but a move didn’t materialise after Howe prioritised the signing of Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad for a club record £63million.
Reflecting on the failed move, Pedro said: “I had this negotiation with Newcastle, until months ago I was upset about not leaving. However, I said ‘now is my moment at Watford, I have to make it happen, since it didn’t happen, this time it will happen.’
“I made it happen last season and I think it was the best way for Brighton, it’s a club that gives opportunities to young people, it believes in us. I made the right choice, I’m very happy here.”
Joao Pedro’s ‘preference’ revealed
Chelsea have also held talks with Pedro’s representatives and if recent comments by Brighton teammate Igor Julio are to be believed, then Pedro may favour a move to West London. However, the centre-back reckons the striker should join Liverpool.
That said, Newcastle would not be pursuing a deal if they weren’t given encouragement that Pedro is keen on a move to the North East.
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Fellow Brazilian Igor told Trivela: “Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, look for new things and take the next step.
“It seems it will be difficult and complicated for him to stay here, we have to be honest, the club already knows that he said in contact with the report via video call.
“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 prioritise what comes from there first.”
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