Joao Pedro was once upset he didn’t join Newcastle United, but all of that could change this summer.
Pedro was a Newcastle United transfer target back in 2022 but ultimately stayed at Watford before joining Brighton. He’s since impressed on the south coast, scoring 30 goals while registering 10 assists in 70 appearances for the club.
Newcastle want to sign Pedro this summer but any move would likely be expensive.
While Newcastle are ready to break their transfer record, it’s obviously a decision they cannot take lightly in a world dominated by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Still, three years after disappointing the player, Newcastle could be set to make it up to him. According to The Daily Telegraph, they are ready to step up their attempts to sign the Brazilian – who could cost around £60million.
Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
What Joao Pedro said about failed move to Newcastle United
Speaking in 2023, Pedro confirmed he was “upset” his move to Newcastle collapsed.
He told Globo Esporte: “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.”
Now, the club look to be ready to try and make that up to him by launching a fresh attempt to bring him to St James’ Park.
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Indeed, The Telegraph’s report adds that the Brighton forward is seen as the “ideal” profile of player to come in and bolster Howe’s attacking options.
Newcastle United could sanction Joao Pedro’s big demand
Pedro wants first-team football at Newcastle, which is understandable.
The 23-year-old is a Brazilian international and there’s a World Cup to come next year, so he’ll no doubt be keen to ensure he’s playing regularly to try and force his way into the squad.
Newcastle can give him that, even despite the fact Alexander Isak is their leading marksman up front.
Position Appearances Goals Assists
Striker 16 7 6
Second striker 7 2 0
Left winger 2 0 0
Attacking midfield 2 1 1
Joao Pedro’s positional data for Brighton in 2024-25 season, data via Transfermarkt
Pedro is able to operate all across the attacking line. As per Transfermarkt’s positional data, he played in four different positions last season, registering goal involvements from almost all of them.
Even with Isak up front, there would still be scope to play Pedro alongside him.