PL star up on failed Newcastle transfer as £59m move sparks back into life
Top PL is once again on the radar of Newcastle United, with the club reportedly considering a fresh approach for the talented Brazilian forward—who was previously left “upset” after a proposed move to St. James’ Park collapsed at the final hurdle. With Champions League football secured following a dramatic final day in the Premier League, the Magpies are gearing up for a busy summer window, and Pedro has re-emerged as a potential reinforcement for Eddie Howe’s ambitious squad.
Newcastle had previously identified Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as a key target to strengthen their attacking options. However, recent reports suggest that Mbeumo is leaning toward a switch to Manchester United instead, forcing Newcastle to shift their focus. According to Sky Sports, the Tyneside club is now preparing to reignite their long-standing interest in Pedro, who has since developed into one of the Premier League’s most exciting young forwards.
The Magpies initially expressed serious interest in Pedro during his time at Watford. At the time, a move seemed likely, but Newcastle ultimately opted to pursue Swedish striker Alexander Isak, signing him for a then club-record £63 million. That decision has paid dividends, with Isak scoring an impressive 62 goals in 109 appearances and establishing himself as a star at the heart of Howe’s attack. However, the success of that transfer didn’t soften the blow for Pedro, who admitted in a 2023 interview with Globo Esporte that he was disappointed by how the Newcastle deal fell through.
“I had this negotiation with Newcastle,” Pedro revealed. “Until months ago I was upset about not leaving. But I said to myself, ‘Now is my moment at Watford. I have to make it happen here, and if the move didn’t happen this time, it will happen in the future.’”
Pedro did exactly that—he rose to the challenge and continued to impress for the Hornets, eventually earning a £30 million transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion in June 2023. Since his arrival on the south coast, Pedro has flourished under the Seagulls’ attacking system, netting 30 goals and providing 10 assists in 70 appearances. His form has not gone unnoticed, with top clubs across Europe now circling.
Newcastle’s interest has reportedly intensified once more, though prising him away from Brighton won’t be easy—or cheap. Sky Sports claims that the 23-year-old could command a fee in the region of £59 million, nearly double what Brighton paid just two summers ago. And while money is always a factor, another potential stumbling block for Newcastle is Pedro’s personal ambition. It’s understood the Brazilian wants to be the main striker at whichever club he joins—something that could be difficult to guarantee at Newcastle with Isak firmly established as the first-choice No. 9.
Nonetheless, Eddie Howe remains keen to reshape and deepen his squad ahead of what promises to be a high-stakes season domestically and in Europe. After guiding the club to its first piece of major silverware in 56 years and securing a Champions League berth, Howe is acutely aware of the importance of refreshing his roster.
Speaking after the season ended, the Newcastle boss acknowledged that reinforcements are a necessity this summer: “Difficult to say on numbers, but I do think it’s a window we have to be active in, and I’m sure we will be. We haven’t recruited strongly in the last three windows and eventually, that can catch up with you. Change is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy and competitive squad dynamic. I think we felt that last summer, and the players deserve huge credit for pushing through and delivering success regardless. But yes, this will be a significant transfer window for us.”
Whether Newcastle can secure Pedro’s signature remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the club’s ambitions are growing, and their summer transfer activity is expected to reflect that. With Joao Pedro’s name back in the headlines, Tyneside could once again become a potential destination for the Brazilian—this time, with far greater chances of a deal actually materialising.