Newcastle United Are Facing Competition From Chelsea For This Brighton Forward: Good Option For Howe? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Sky Sports mentioned that Newcastle United are facing competition from Chelsea for Brighton and Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro. It is believed that the Magpies have seen their offer of around £50m get rejected by the Seagulls for the Brazilian striker.

Pedro’s Impressive Form In English Football

Pedro had a decent campaign at the English club as he put in a run of fruitful displays for them in the final third. The Brazilian attacker banged in ten goals and grabbed seven assists in 30 matches for Brighton last season across all competitions.

The 23-year-old deserves some credit for averaging 1.94 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League. However, he only kept 35.7% of his attempts on target. Pedro also needs to find a way to improve his link-up play in the final third, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 72.9% in the English first division (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at Brighton will run out in the summer of 2028 which could make it tough for the Magpies to sign him on the cheap in this transfer window.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion scores the team’s first penalty in the penalty shoot out during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest at Amex Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Is Pedro A Good Option For Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe?

Pedro is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make some driving runs with it in and around the opposition penalty box. He has got the eye to create the odd chance for his teammates to find the back of the net and can shoot the ball with venom from long range.

However, the Brazilian talent has to figure out a way to improve his passing accuracy on the offensive end of the field. Pedro is primarily a centre-forward but can also operate as a left-winger if required.

We can expect him to bring more firepower to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s attack. He could go on to form a productive partnership with Alexander Isak at the Tyneside club next season.

At 23, the best is yet to come from Pedro which makes him an excellent option for the Magpies to pursue in this summer transfer period. He already knows the Premier League well and won’t take much time to settle into life at St. James’ Park.