“Should be looking for a fee in the region of…” – Fresh Watford, Newcastle links emerge: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Watford forward Joao Pedro remains on Newcastle United’s radar and has been tipped as a potential January target by The Athletic.

The Magpies’ move for the Brazilian fell through in the summer but it seems they could return in the winter window.

But how big of a blow would it be for the Championship club to lose him? And what would be an acceptable fee?

We quizzed our FLW writers for their thoughts…

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Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson

Naturally, it would be a blow to lose Joao Pedro for Watford.

The young Brazilian is certainly one of, if not the Hornets most influential player on the pitch, and when on form, looks a class above Championship level.

Indeed, you would think his future holds playing for a top club in a top league and earning caps for Brazil.

With Watford having turned down 30 odd million this summer, it would make no sense for them to accept a bid of the same amount in January if they are in and around the promotion hunt.

But, if it looks like they are not going to go up, they may be tempted to cash in.

That said, I think the club, with plenty of time left on his contract (it runs until 2027 if reports are to be believed), should be looking for a fee in the region of £40 million, with a healthy sell-on percentage.

Ned Holmes

Rob Edwards has an embarrassment of attacking riches in his Watford squad but losing Joao Pedro would still be a massive blow for Watford.

He’s one of the most exciting young players in the division and looks likely to play a massive role as they push for promotion back to the Premier League.

Not only that, he has top-flight quality already and should only continue to improve in the coming years.

His contract reportedly runs until 2027 so the Hornets will feel no pressure to sell him.

It might sound crazy but they shouldn’t consider anything below £40 million in January.

His value is unlikely to fall anytime soon and losing him would dent their promotion hopes.

Adam Jones

His contract doesn’t expire until 2027 which gives the Hornets a huge amount of power at the negotiating table.

He also showed his commitment to his current side’s cause during the latter stages of the summer window via an Instagram post, so unless he pushes for a move away in January, Rob Edwards’ side should be under no real pressure to sell.

There’s no doubt that Pedro is a game-changer and will certainly help them in their quest to return to the Premier League, so losing him would be a blow, especially when you consider the fact he could be a superstar in the future.

That’s why the Hornets can justify slapping a £30m price tag on him despite the fact he wasn’t hugely prolific in the top flight last term.

If a club meets that price tag, the second-tier side can use that money to supply their manager with a considerable amount to spend, whilst keeping hold of key danger man Ismaila Sarr, with the likes of Keinan Davis, Rey Manaj, and Vokoun Bayo also at their disposal and Yaser Asprilla who is another talented asset they could sell on for a considerable amount in the future.