Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion looks on from the substitute bench prior to the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Chelsea FC at Amex Stadium on February 14, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)placeholder image
Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion looks on from the substitute bench prior to the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Chelsea FC at Amex Stadium on February 14, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Chelsea are set to sign another of Newcastle United’s transfer targets.
Newcastle United have missed out on the signing of Joao Pedro with the Brighton & Hove Albion forward on the verge of completing a move to Chelsea.
Newcastle were keen on signing the Brazilian and were understood to have saw a £50million bid rejected before Chelsea swooped in at the weekend to agree a deal worth £55m plus £5m in add-ons.
Pedro almost moved to St James’ Park back in 2022 when a £30m fee was agreed with Watford, however, Eddie Howe turned his attention to Alexander Isak when the Swede became available for a club-record £63m.
Why Newcastle United wanted Joao Pedro
Scoring 62 goals in 109 appearances for United, Isak has established himself as one of Europe’s leading strikers. But the squad lacks an alternative to Isak with Callum Wilson out of contract and Will Osula still raw.
Ahead of competing on four fronts this campaign - the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup - Howe recognises the need for strength in depth.
Pedro’s versatility, which allows him to play as a striker or out wide, made him an attractive target. In his two years at Brighton, the 23-year-old boasts an impressive goal record of 30 in 70 appearances.
Joao Pedro prioritised Chelsea ahead of Newcastle United
While Pedro was open to joining the Magpies, it was always his preference to move to London. That was made clear by his international and club teammate Igor Julio last month.
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.
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“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.”
Joao Pedro completes Chelsea medical
As per Fabrizio Romano, Pedro has completed his medical and will today (July 1) put pen to paper on a seven-year contract.
The Italian wrote on X: “Understand Joao Pedro has completed his medical as new Chelsea player in the US! Contract to be signed today as it will be valid until June 2032. £55m plus £5m add-ons to Brighton.”
It’s claimed Pedro could make his debut when Chelsea face Palmeiras on Saturday for a place in the semi-final.
Pedro is the second player Chelsea have beaten Newcastle to this summer. Howe’s side held talks with Liam Delap but the striker opted for a move to Stamford Bridge.
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