Newcastle United have to listen to what Troy Deeney has said about Joao Pedro, it’ll make their mind up

Joao Pedro to Newcastle United: A Move Troy Deeney Would Strongly Endorse

If Newcastle United do manage to secure the signing of Joao Pedro, it would undoubtedly receive a ringing endorsement from former teammate Troy Deeney. The Magpies are becoming increasingly optimistic about completing a deal for the 23-year-old Brazilian forward, as they prepare to open formal negotiations with Brighton & Hove Albion.

 

Sources close to the situation indicate that Pedro is open to the idea of joining Eddie Howe’s side at St James’ Park. According to reports from Geordie Boot Boys, the versatile attacker is even willing to operate from the right side of the attack, a role he’s capable of adapting to despite primarily playing through the middle.

 

Pedro’s ability to function across multiple attacking roles is a key reason Newcastle are prioritising his signing. His flexibility fits perfectly into Howe’s footballing philosophy, which demands adaptability, intelligence, and hard work from his forwards. It’s this very versatility that drew praise from Troy Deeney, who spoke glowingly about Pedro’s potential during a TalkSPORT interview back in September 2024.

 

Troy Deeney: Joao Pedro Is Destined for Greatness

 

Deeney, who shared the pitch with Pedro during their time at Watford, had high praise for the young Brazilian and predicted a bright future at the top level.

 

“He’s destined to go to the very, very top,” Deeney said, highlighting Pedro’s technical quality and positional adaptability. “I think he’s got a level of ability that he can play anywhere across the top three lines. And with time, I can see him even developing into a No. 10 or possibly even a No. 8. He’s just that good.”

 

Deeney went on to describe the kind of rare talent Pedro possesses—one that transcends traditional positional labels.

 

“You know how some players are clearly wingers or strikers? With Pedro, it’s different. He’s just a footballer, a top-level one. You know you have to put him on the pitch, and he’ll do something special. That’s what makes him so unique.”

 

How Pedro Would Fit into Newcastle United’s System

 

Pedro’s arrival would offer a significant boost to Eddie Howe’s attacking options, particularly with speculation surrounding Callum Wilson’s future. Wilson is expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of June, and although youngster Will Osula has shown promise, he may not yet be ready to take on the role of Alexander Isak’s primary deputy.

 

Joao Pedro would not only provide competition for Isak but also serve as a potential strike partner. His capability to play on either wing or in a supporting role behind the striker gives Howe numerous tactical options. With Pedro on board, Howe could stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation or opt for a 4-4-2 system that pairs Pedro with Isak up front. Alternatively, in a 4-2-3-1 setup, Pedro could take on the central attacking midfield role, orchestrating play just behind the lead striker.

 

This tactical fluidity is something Newcastle have sorely lacked in recent months, especially during games where their attacking structure felt predictable. Pedro’s skill set allows for creative link-up play, quick transitions, and intelligent movement in the final third—qualities that would complement Isak’s goal-scoring instincts perfectly.

 

A Potential Blessing in Disguise for Newcastle

 

Newcastle’s interest in Pedro follows their unsuccessful pursuit of Liam Delap, who was seen as a promising yet more traditional centre-forward. While Delap was viewed as good value at £30 million, his playing style lacked the versatility that Pedro brings to the table.

 

Missing out on Delap may actually work in Newcastle’s favour. In Joao Pedro, they would be signing a player who not only strengthens their squad depth but also enhances their tactical options and long-term development strategy. He’s still young, yet experienced in English football, and appears eager to take the next step in his career with a club on the rise.

 

For Eddie Howe and Newcastle United, Joao Pedro could prove to be a transformational signing—one that brings both immediate impact and future promise. And if Troy Deeney’s glowing review is anything to go by, Pedro is only just getting started.