Brighton & Hove Albion have lodged a bid for a striker amid Newcastle United’s interest in Joao Pedro.
Brighton & Hove Albion are attempting to sign a striker with Joao Pedro’s future uncertain.
Newcastle United are again showing interest in the Brazilian, three years on from almost signing him from Watford. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed a deal worth £30million was in place and that Pedro had agreed terms over a contract until 2028.
However, a move did not materialise and Pedro stayed with the Hornets for their 2022-23 Championship campaign before joining Brighton for £30million. In his two seasons at Amex Stadium, he has scored 30 goals in 70 appearances.
With Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo expected to join Manchester United this summer, The Telegraph claims the Magpies have switched their attention to Pedro. Eddie Howe wants to sign a right forward and someone can support Alexander Isak up front and believes Pedro fits the bill.
Brighton set Joao Pedro price tag amid Newcastle United interest
Newcastle, as per the Daily Mail, have officially enquired about Pedro and Brighton are expected to demand a big fee, with multiple reports suggesting a fee upwards of £60m. That could amount to a club-record transfer fee for United, which currently stands at the £63m paid to sign Isak from Real Sociedad in August 2022.
It was Isak Howe’s side recruited instead of Pedro, a decision that has most definitely paid off with the Swede’s 62 goals in 109 appearances ranking him among the best strikers in Europe.
Speaking about missing out on a move to St James’ Park, Pedro said: “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.’
Read More
“I made it happen last season and I think it was the best way for Brighton, it’s a club that gives opportunities to young people, it believes in us. I made the right choice, I’m very happy here.”
Brighton bid for Joao Pedro replacement?
Brighton are braced for interest in Pedro, who, at the end of last season, was left out of Fabian Hurzeler’s squad for the final two matches following a reported training ground bust up with teammate Jean Paul van Hecke.
Whilst the noise surrounding the 23-year-old’s future has increased, the Seagulls have been linked with a move for another striker and according to The Athletic have submitted a £34m bid for Olympiacos’ 18-year-old striker Charalampos Kostoulas.
Coincidence? Perhaps as it’s understood Brighton first opened talks over Kostoulas in May. But on the other hand, it could suggest Hurzeler’s side are planning for life without Pedro.
A new striker is already due to arrive this summer in the form of Greek striker Stefanos Tzimas. The 19-year-old, who was tracked by Newcastle, joined Brighton for £20m from Nurnberg in January but stayed with the Germain second-tier outfit for the remainder of the campaign.
Continue Reading