Brighton Stand Firm as Newcastle Pursue £70m Forward | OneFootball

Newcastle’s Brazilian Pursuit: Pedro at the Heart of Summer Chase

Pedro’s Rising Stock and Howe’s Forward Focus

Brighton have rejected offers worth over £50 million for Joao Pedro from Newcastle United and one other Premier League club, as first reported by talkSPORT. Eddie Howe, unwavering in his ambition, has identified Pedro as his primary attacking target and Newcastle are expected to return with an improved bid.

Pedro’s potential arrival on Tyneside would mark a significant move for the Magpies, both strategically and symbolically. The 23-year-old’s adaptability across the front line — able to play as a striker, No.10 or on either flank — fits seamlessly with Howe’s vision. “Pedro is believed to have expressed a desire to leave the Amex this summer and Howe has been a long-term admirer of the forward, who is rated at £70m by Brighton.” With Chelsea also in the frame, it is clear the race for the Brazilian international is heating up fast.

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Impressive Return at Brighton

Pedro has delivered an exceptional debut campaign since his £30 million switch from Watford in May 2023, a club-record deal for Brighton. He registered 20 goals in 40 matches across all competitions — a healthy return that justifies Brighton’s valuation.

Of those, ten came in the Premier League, with the remainder split between the FA Cup and Europa League. It’s a statistic that not only showcases his finishing ability but also highlights his capacity to perform across competitions and under different pressures. As Newcastle search for a consistent attacking threat to complement Alexander Isak, Pedro offers both depth and dynamism.

Discipline and Determination in Focus

Yet Pedro’s season wasn’t without turbulence. “During a clash against Brentford in December, Pedro avoided a red card despite attempting to elbow an opponent.” The moment revealed a volatile edge to his character, although VAR intervention kept him on the pitch. His frustrations continued in April, when he was handed a three-match ban after lashing out at Brentford’s Nathan Collins.

Further controversy came when he missed the final two matches of the season due to a training ground spat with Jan Paul van Hecke. “With Joao we had a small issue in training, a type which isn’t uncommon from time to time in all football clubs,” confirmed Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler. While Hurzeler insisted the matter had been resolved internally, questions remain about Pedro’s temperament under pressure.

Brazilian Brotherhood on Tyneside

Should Pedro join Newcastle, he would become the club’s third Brazilian star alongside Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes. The chemistry between those players could be crucial in bedding Pedro into the squad and maintaining morale. With Newcastle also preparing for European football, depth in quality and character will be vital.

This transfer saga may still have twists ahead. Brighton know they hold a strong negotiating hand with three years left on Pedro’s contract and interest from multiple clubs. But Newcastle’s intent appears genuine and unwavering. If they meet the Seagulls’ valuation, Pedro could well be donning black and white stripes before pre-season concludes.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

There’s a growing sense of anticipation on Tyneside. Joao Pedro is the kind of versatile, energetic forward this team has lacked when key players have been sidelined. His ability to operate anywhere across the front three gives Eddie Howe new options, particularly in tight matches where tactical flexibility is everything.

Yes, the price tag is steep at £70 million, but Brighton paid £30 million and have doubled his value in just one season. That sort of leap tells you all you need to know about Pedro’s development. The numbers speak loudly: 20 goals in 40 games is a top-tier return in English football, especially for a player adjusting to a new system and higher expectations.

There are concerns about temperament, of course. The incident with Brentford and the fallout with a teammate won’t have gone unnoticed by Newcastle’s hierarchy. But if the club can harness that fire and turn it into drive on the pitch, Pedro could thrive in the cauldron of St James’ Park. With Joelinton and Bruno already flying the Brazilian flag in the North East, Pedro would be walking into a dressing room where he’d be welcomed and understood.

We say go for it — and go big.