Joao Pedro has incredibly lofty ambitions after choosing to sign for Chelsea over Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe was hoping to bring the 23-year-old to St James’ Park, but has missed out to Enzo Maresca. Joao Pedro has chosen to join Chelsea, with the forward eager to live in London.
For the second time this summer, Chelsea have signed a forward ahead of Newcastle United. Missing out on Liam Delap was disappointing for the Magpies, but his decision made sense. However, the fact that Pedro has chosen Chelsea over Newcastle is much more frustrating.
It leaves Newcastle United’s transfer plans in disarray, with Howe desperately in need of a forward who can support Alexander Isak. Pedro could have done that, while he also could have operated out wide.
He would have been a key player on Tyneside, while there is no doubt he would have improved under Howe’s guidance. In that sense, it is a real shame that he has opted to go to Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro playing for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier against Colombia.
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Why Joao Pedro has chosen to join Chelsea
However, a fresh claim regarding Pedro choosing Chelsea makes the decision somewhat baffling from a Newcastle United perspective.
According to TalkSPORT, Pedro believes that moving to Chelsea can help him be a starter for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.
He has represented Brazil four times during his career, and is hoping to be part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the tournament in America next summer. Brazil have already qualified for the World Cup, booking their place thanks to a 1-0 win over Paraguay in June.
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Joao Pedro’s Newcastle United snub suddenly makes no sense
Pedro believing that joining Chelsea means he is more likely to go to the World Cup with Brazil makes his decision to snub Newcastle United all the more baffling.
If anything, that dream would be more likely to become a reality if he was wearing black and white rather than blue. Pedro would have been a regular starter under Eddie Howe, while he would be playing alongside someone who starts for Brazil in pretty much every game.
During his Newcastle United career, Bruno Guimaraes has consistently represented his country. Playing for the Magpies has not hurt his international aspirations, while he has also been joined by Joelinton on a few occasions.
In contrast, it is going to be a challenge for Pedro to have a consistent role in the Chelsea starting XI. He is competing with Delap and Nicolas Jackson up front, while the number 10 position belongs to Cole Palmer. Out wide, Chelsea have a wealth of options too.
While the lure of London may have been enough for Pedro to turn his back on Tyneside, his World Cup ambitions should have convinced him to sign on the dotted line at Newcastle United.