Newcastle United have once again shown their interest in Brazilian striker Joao Pedro, the same player they nearly signed three years ago from Watford.
The 23-year-old striker is under contract with Brighton & Hove Albion, where he has scored 30 goals in 70 appearances since arriving in 2023, but, despite his strong form, his future remains unclear after being left out of the club’s final two matches following reports of a dressing room dispute with defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
According to Sky Sports News, Newcastle have added Pedro to their list of striker targets this summer, with Manager Eddie Howe planning to strengthen the attack, especially with Callum Wilson out of contract and multiple ongoing interests in Alexander Isak, whom Newcastle are determined to keep.
"Pedro has a number of admirers in the Premier League and Europe," reported Sky Sports News. "Newcastle are one of the clubs that have him on a shortlist of possible striker options."
Pedro wants to be the first choice.
A major hurdle in the deal is Pedro’s stance on playing time. According to Sky Sports, he is unwilling to join any club unless he’s guaranteed a role as the first-choice striker. That puts Newcastle in a tough spot, as Isak remains the undisputed No. 9 on Tyneside.
Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports added on X: “Big summer for Newcastle — Callum Wilson out of contract, and widespread interest in Isak. But Howe wants another striker, departures or not. Pedro is an option.”
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Another potential obstacle is Brighton’s asking price. According to The Sun, they value Pedro at £70 million — more than twice what Newcastle were prepared to pay back in 2022.
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