Newcastle United facing £60m ‘problem’ as Alexander Isak alternative has already agreed St James’ Park move

Newcastle United have once again set their sights on Brazilian forward João Pedro, reigniting a transfer pursuit that dates back to 2022. The Magpies initially reached an agreement with Watford to sign the talented attacker two years ago, settling on a £30 million fee and a long-term contract. However, the deal was abruptly shelved after the club opted to pursue Alexander Isak instead—a decision that has since proven fruitful, with Isak becoming one of the most exciting forwards in European football.

Following the collapsed transfer, João Pedro eventually found his way back into the Premier League in the summer of 2023, joining Brighton & Hove Albion. Since then, the 23-year-old forward has delivered a mixed but statistically impressive spell at the Amex Stadium, netting 30 goals in 70 appearances across all competitions for the Seagulls.

However, despite his contributions, Brighton are reportedly open to cashing in on the Brazilian this summer. According to The Telegraph, the south coast club have placed a valuation of around £60 million on Pedro, and Newcastle are understood to be seriously considering making a fresh approach. Encouragingly for the Magpies, Pedro remains interested in the move, having previously agreed to join them before the 2022 transfer fell through. He has even admitted in past interviews that the failed switch left him “upset.”

Newcastle Confident Despite Hefty Price Tag

Despite the significant increase in Pedro’s price tag since their initial pursuit, Newcastle reportedly remain undeterred. Club officials believe they can reach an agreement with Brighton as negotiations continue behind the scenes. The proposed £60 million fee would bring the transfer close to the club’s current record signing—Alexander Isak, who joined from Real Sociedad for £63 million.

However, there’s growing debate among pundits and supporters about whether the Brazilian represents value for money. While João Pedro has shown flashes of brilliance, some analysts argue that he hasn’t yet reached the level of performance required to justify such a hefty investment, especially when funds are tight due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) and the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

Concerns Raised Over Value and Impact

Dominic Scurr, a journalist for the Shields Gazette, expressed his reservations on the latest episode of the Geordie Journos podcast. Scurr believes spending £60 million on João Pedro would be a significant overpayment for a player who may not walk straight into Eddie Howe’s starting eleven.

“That’s my issue,” said Scurr. “I think £60 million is a huge amount to spend on a player who doesn’t immediately improve the starting XI. Newcastle need players who can come in and elevate the team right away, especially when you consider how long it’s been since the squad was last significantly upgraded—probably not since the arrival of Sandro Tonali.”

Scurr continued: “If Newcastle are going to come close to breaking their transfer record, it has to be for someone proven—someone who can bring world-class impact from day one. João Pedro, while talented and versatile, just doesn’t fit that bill for me.”

A Closer Look at João Pedro’s Record

There’s no doubt João Pedro possesses technical quality and versatility—traits that would be valuable to any squad. He can play as a central striker, drop deeper as a No. 10, or even drift out wide to the left. Yet, concerns linger about the effectiveness of his goal-scoring output.

While the raw statistics suggest a solid return—30 goals in 70 games—half of those goals have come from the penalty spot. Scurr highlighted that of Pedro’s 30 goals, 15 were penalties, many of which came in the Europa League against relatively weak opposition. This significantly skews the perception of his contribution.

“You take away those penalties, and his open-play numbers are a bit underwhelming,” Scurr argued. “In 2025, he’s only scored one open-play goal, and that was against Southampton. His last Premier League goal from open play came all the way back in November against Bournemouth.”

Red Flags Around Attitude and Consistency

Pedro’s disciplinary record has also raised eyebrows. He received a red card late in the season and wasn’t utilized by Brighton in their final two matches despite being available again. That, combined with inconsistent form, casts further doubt over whether he can be relied upon to play a key role at Newcastle—particularly as backup or rotation for Alexander Isak.

“If you’re bringing him in as the dependable backup to Isak, you can’t afford to have him getting suspended at crucial times,” said Scurr. “The attitude concerns me, especially for a player who won’t be the main man from the start.”

Newcastle’s Priorities: Striker or Strength Elsewhere?

With limited funds available and the need to comply with financial regulations, Newcastle must carefully weigh where to allocate their resources. Some insiders believe that bolstering other areas—particularly right-wing or central defence—should take precedence if the club are to make a big-money signing this summer.

Newcastle’s recruitment strategy is under scrutiny, and whether they pursue João Pedro or shift focus elsewhere, the outcome will speak volumes about their ambitions for the coming season. The Brazilian certainly has potential, but the question remains: is now the right time—and price—to bet on it?

Newcastle United are clearly tempted to revisit the João Pedro saga, this time with a more experienced and established player in the mix. But with the stakes higher than ever and the Premier League’s financial rules tightening their grip, every transfer must be calculated. João Pedro could still become a key part of the club’s future—but only if Newcastle can justify the cost, both financially and tactically.