"Unfinished business" - Watford FC, Joao Pedro claim made as Newcastle United eye Brighton deal | OneFootball

FLW's Watford fan pundit Justin Beattie isn't surprised at Joao Pedro's progress after leaving Vicarage Road.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Newcastle United have once again been linked with a move for Brazilian forward Joao Pedro this summer, who has been impressive for Brighton and Hove Albion in his two seasons at the club so far.

The 23-year-old ended the 2024-25 Premier League campaign with 10 goals and six assists in 27 outings for the Seagulls, which has seen the Magpies reportedly reignite their interest in signing the attacker.

Pedro was linked with a move to St James' Park back in the summer of 2022 whilst he was still at Watford. However, Newcastle signed Alexander Isak instead, which saw the Brazilian's move fail to materialise.

Now with his eyes set on Champions League football, Pedro is reportedly in line to make a £60m switch to Tyneside, with former club Watford having a tasty sell-on clause in the deal, thought to be worth 20%.

Watford supporters not shocked to see Joao Pedro kick on

After news emerged of Pedro's potential switch to Eddie Howe's side, Football League World spoke to their Watford fan pundit, Justin Beattie, and asked him if he was shocked at how the attacker has kicked on since leaving the Hornets in 2023.

Justin stated: "He was linked to Newcastle before he left for Brighton, so it may feel like a little bit of unfinished business on Newcastle's part.

"Obviously he went to Brighton, they've given him time for him to grow, and he's kicked on well there.

"So for those of us that watched him week-in-week-out at Vicarage Road, I don't think it's a massive surprise that he's going to go to Newcastle," he continued.

"His talent was always fairly obvious: quick feet, intelligent movement, and maturity for someone who was as young as he was at Watford.

"I think he always had the potential to move to the top level, and if it does materialise, I think we'd absolutely welcome the sell-on fee.

"So good luck to him. I think most Watford fans will regard him fondly from his time at Vicarage Road, and we wish him success in the next step in his career."

Watford will be delighted with Joao Pedro cash windfall

Last season was a difficult one for the Hertfordshire side, as they struggled for consistency to keep themselves in the play-off picture. This saw popular manager Tom Cleverley rather harshly dismissed.

However, the cash windfall that will come Watford's way should Pedro complete a move to Newcastle will be an excellent boost ahead of the new campaign.

The Hornets are still without a manager, and a potential boost to the budget next season thanks to their invested interest in the Brazilian could help make the vacancy much more attractive for higher calibre candidates.

The club is now looking to rebuild under a new manager for the 21st time since 2012, and a little bit of extra cash to play with could go a long way for the club and the new boss.