Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has provided a worrying update on Newcastle United target Joao Pedro after a £50m bid was rejected for the Brazilian.
The cogs are starting to turn in the well-oiled machine that is the transfer market, and Eddie Howe looks eager to start spending.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Newcastle had placed a £50m bid for Brighton’s Joao Pedro, with the Magpies eager to find a partner for Alexander Isak next season. However, that bid has been knocked back, so Newcastle will have to go back to the negotiating table.
Newcastle are challenging Chelsea for Pedro, with Enzo Maresca’s side also believed to be in talks with the 23-year-old. The Magpies are not expected to make any of these signings before the PSR deadline on Monday, but that does not stop them from making another approach.
It has been confirmed that Newcastle will walk away from a deal for Pedro if it takes too long, but for now they seem happy to continue pushing on for a deal.
However, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has provided a new update which will surely worry those trying to make a deal happen.
Fabian Hurzeler puts his arm around Joao Pedro after Brighton's Premier League game against Fulham.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Fabian Hurzeler expects Newcastle United target Joao Pedro back for pre-season
Newcastle have a healthy transfer budget to spend, but they must ensure that the majority of it does not go on one player.
Brighton value Pedro at around £60m, so there is a clear gap in valuations between the two clubs. Newcastle want to get their transfer business done early, with Howe hoping for at least one new player at the club before they return to pre-season training on July 7.
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The clock is ticking, but Hurzeler has publicly confirmed that he fully expects Pedro back for pre-season training in July. Speaking to Sky Sports about Pedro and Kairu Mitoma, the German said: “Yeah for sure (they will be back).
“I’m really looking forward for both of them. They are great players, they helped us last season. They are expected to be back next week.”
Although there is a gap in valuations between the two clubs, Newcastle boss Howe does not appear ready to back down from the deal.
Newcastle need to strengthen several positions this summer, and Pedro is seen as one of their top targets after an impressive 2024/25 campaign.
Geordie Boot Boys understand that Pedro to Newcastle is still ‘looking likely’, with the Brazilian already confirming his intention to leave the Seagulls this summer.
It is also believed that Newcastle should be able to sign Pedro for less than the £60m Brighton are looking for, which would represent good business for the club.