Done Deal: Newcastle Agree Terms with ‘Special’ Joao Pedro – But Eddie Howe Now Faces Tactical Dilemma Amid Chelsea Interest
Newcastle United have made significant progress in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro, with reports confirming that the Magpies have agreed personal terms with the Brazilian attacker. However, despite this key development, Eddie Howe is now confronted with a potentially costly problem — both on and off the pitch.
Newcastle Move Early for Joao Pedro Amid Growing Competition
The Magpies have been proactive this summer, eager to build on last season’s Champions League qualification and push deeper into Europe next term. One of their top transfer targets has been Brighton’s Joao Pedro, a forward Howe believes could provide valuable attacking versatility.
According to football journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Newcastle have already agreed personal terms with Pedro and made two formal offers to Brighton. Their most recent bid — reported to be around £50 million — was swiftly turned down by the Seagulls, who remain reluctant to part ways with one of their star performers.
However, Newcastle’s plans may be disrupted by Chelsea, who have now entered the race for Pedro. Tavolieri reports that the Blues are “working hard to make up for lost ground” in the battle for the 22-year-old and are preparing a fresh offer to Brighton. Chelsea have apparently made Pedro a “priority target” for their forward line and are looking to hijack Newcastle’s move at the eleventh hour.
Pedro Keen on Newcastle Switch – But Positional Issues Arise
Pedro has reportedly communicated his willingness to join Newcastle and operate as a right winger, despite being more naturally suited to a central role. With Alexander Isak currently the undisputed first-choice striker at St James’ Park, Pedro would likely be forced to adapt to a wider position to get regular minutes under Howe.
While Pedro’s openness to such a role is encouraging, concerns are growing over whether this tactical fit will truly benefit Newcastle in the long run. Though undeniably talented, Pedro has little experience playing on the right flank, raising questions about how effective he would be outside of his preferred central zone.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler previously referred to Pedro as a “special” player, lauding his technical ability, work rate, and intelligence in the final third. But if he is not deployed in his most impactful position, there’s a risk that Newcastle could spend a substantial sum — possibly up to £60 million — on a player who may not fully thrive in their current system.
Howe’s Conundrum: Right Wing Needs vs Centre-Forward Depth
The real dilemma for Howe and Newcastle lies in the balance of their attacking options. With Isak in fine form and Callum Wilson still part of the squad, central striker roles are already occupied. Pedro, although capable of playing deeper or drifting wide, is at his best when operating centrally — the same area in which Isak dominates.
This raises a critical question: should Newcastle proceed with such a significant outlay on a player they might not be able to deploy in his optimal role?
The club has reportedly backed away from other right-wing options due to financial concerns — most notably Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who is seen by many as a more natural fit for that position. Newcastle had previously deemed Mbeumo too expensive, yet now find themselves bidding even higher for Pedro, who may not fulfill the tactical need as well.
Financially Strong But Strategically Challenged
Despite these concerns, Newcastle are operating from a position of strength this summer. They have no urgent need to sell star players like Alexander Isak, despite persistent interest from Liverpool, or Anthony Gordon, who has drawn attention from Arsenal. Both players are under long-term contracts, and the club’s financial footing means they can be aggressive in the market without needing to balance the books through major outgoings.
That said, Howe and his recruitment team must carefully consider how they allocate resources. While Pedro offers promise and pedigree, especially at just 22 years of age, Newcastle may be better served by targeting a natural right winger to complement their existing attacking core.
What Comes Next?
With Chelsea breathing down their necks, Newcastle may feel pressured to raise their offer in order to beat their rivals to Pedro’s signature. However, they must weigh that urgency against the risk of positional incompatibility and the opportunity cost of not strengthening more suitable areas of the pitch.
Ultimately, the next few days will be decisive. If Brighton stand firm on their valuation and Chelsea increase their bid, Newcastle could either be priced out of the deal or forced to commit even more funds to secure a player who might not fit seamlessly into Howe’s tactical plans.
Either way, Newcastle’s pursuit of Joao Pedro is a statement of intent — but one that could quickly turn into a strategic misstep unless handled with care.