Newcastle United saw a bid rejected for Joao Pedro before he joined Chelsea.
Joao Pedro has revealed a conversation with Chelsea youngster Andrey Santos swayed his transfer decision.
Newcastle United were left reeling when the Brazilian snubbed a big-money move to St James’ Park. This was the second time the Magpies failed to sign Pedro having come close to striking a deal three years ago.
A bid worth around £50million was understood to have been rejected last week. That came just days before Chelsea made the breakthrough, with the final package racking up at £60million including add-ons.
Newcastle United dealt first major blow
As the Blues continue to spend big, Newcastle were dealt their first major blow of the summer window. Toon chiefs are now looking elsewhere - with the European market opening up - as they aim to add a versatile forward to their ranks.
Andrey Santos conversation
Chelsea youngster Santos has made just one senior appearance since joining the club in 2023 but was a key influence behind Pedro’s decision. The 23-year-old also insisted the possibility of winning silverware played a factor.
“I spoke to Andrey (Santos) on Instagram,” Pedro told the Chelsea website. “I asked about the guys, about the club. He said good things about the team. It’s good to join. When you join a club and know one of the players, it makes it easier for sure.
“I think (I chose Chelsea) because of the history. People in Brazil watch the games. I was one of the youngsters who watched Chelsea. They’ve had brilliant players in the past (and) have brilliant players now. It is a big club, that is why I chose Chelsea.
“I’m very technical, I love to score and, when I was young, I played in midfield as well so I can give a pass to my teammates. I’m this kind of player.
“I grew up watching the Premier League, and Chelsea were a club that won trophies. So, when you join Chelsea, you can only think of one thing: to win trophies. Every competition, you have to think, ‘I play for Chelsea and that is my ambition.”
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Alan Pardew on Joao Pedro
Former Toon boss Alan Pardew believes Pedro is capable of “justifying” his “excessive” transfer fee. He told talkSPORT: "They're going to spread the payments, which, again gets around the rules, etc. A great signing for them.
"I'm a big fan of his. They have got it in time. Wow. I think that's a first-class player and will fit well with all those young players around him. Newcastle will be absolutely distraught about that.
"Chelsea's model is based around young players and young attacking players don't really lose much value so I can see that this is a safe bet for them. He's out of contract soon and they have taken him on.
“This fee looks excessive, but Newcastle wanted him. He's established, he can play through the middle, he can play off the side. He gives you great variation so I think he's a great player. It's a big fee but I think he can justify that fee."
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