Joao Pedro, Eddie Howe, Newcastle United
Credit: Imago / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media
Keith Hackett
Mon 9 June 2025 13:01, UK
Eddie Howe will want to stamp out Joao Pedro’s acts of simulation as Newcastle United are linked with the shining Brighton star, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the former Bournemouth manager will be a huge fan of the 23-year-old’s talents, but not his antics on the pitch.
Chelsea and Tottenham have joined the race for the striker, though Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are plotting a move for Pedro as a key target at St James’ Park.
He notched 10 goals and seven assists in 30 games during the 2024/25 campaign, adding to his 20 goals and three assists from the season before, catching plenty of attention this summer.
Joao Pedro likely to leave Brighton
Despite his undeniable talents, there are concerns over the signing of the Brazilian forward at St James’ Park, having picked up a straight red card in his last game for the Seagulls.
Pedro was given his marching orders in the 4-2 defeat to Brentford in April, elbowing Nathan Collins, before then missing Brighton’s final five matches of the Premier League season.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
It also emerged, via The Athletic’s Andy Naylor, that Pedro missed the 3-2 win over Liverpool due to a training ground altercation with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, frustrating manager Fabian Hurzeler.
The 23-year-old certainly wears his heart on his sleeve and leaves everything out on the pitch, and Hackett believes Howe will need to address this sensitively if the Magpies win the race for his signature.
Eddie Howe to stamp out Joao Pedro’s play-acting next season
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said:
“Eddie Howe fully understands the game, and I think the fans in the North East are very knowledgeable. They eat, sleep and breathe football, so they respect the game and expect players to do the same.
“Howe will want this particular player with the flair he has, and the skillset as well, but he’ll probably work on trying to get acts of simulation out of his game, if spotted.
Joao Pedro, Brighton
“He’s pretty good at it, let’s make no mistake. Sometimes I have to take a second and third look while in an armchair, but that’s not afforded to a referee. Inside the penalty area, VAR will need to catch him as he attempts to deceive the referee.”
Related Posts