Report: Newcastle in advanced talks to sign ‘superstar’ forward, personal terms discussed
Newcastle United Growing in Confidence Over Joao Pedro Transfer as Pre-Season Approaches
Newcastle United are reportedly becoming increasingly confident of completing the signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion ahead of the start of their pre-season preparations next month.
According to a new report from ChronicleLive, the Magpies are currently engaged in “advanced negotiations” with Brighton, with sources describing the ongoing discussions as “high-level talks” aimed at striking a deal for the 23-year-old Brazilian forward. However, a £10 million gap in valuation still remains between the two Premier League clubs, with Brighton holding firm on their £60 million asking price, while Newcastle have so far only tabled a £50 million offer.
Joao Pedro: A Long-Time Target for Newcastle
Pedro has long been on Newcastle’s radar. The forward came close to joining the Magpies nearly three years ago, only for the move to collapse before he eventually transferred to Brighton from Watford in the summer of 2023. That previous interest is believed to have remained strong within the club’s recruitment department, and Newcastle are now seeking to finally land their man.
Interestingly, the Brazilian was left out of Brighton’s squad for their final game of the 2024/25 season following a training ground incident, raising speculation that his time at the Amex Stadium may be over. Some within the Brighton camp believe he has played his final match for the Seagulls.
Brighton Standing Firm on Price Due to Sell-On Clause
Brighton’s determination to command a fee in the region of £60 million is not without cause. One key factor driving their valuation is a 20% sell-on clause owed to Pedro’s former club Watford, which will eat into Brighton’s profit from any potential sale. As such, the South Coast side are looking to maximise their return before sanctioning a move.
Despite this, Newcastle are believed to be cautiously optimistic about bridging the gap in valuations. Club officials are reportedly hoping to wrap up the deal before pre-season kicks off, giving manager Eddie Howe ample time to integrate Pedro into his plans.
First Major Summer Signing in the Works
The Brazilian, who has earned three caps for the national team, is being touted as the first major signing under the new structure at Newcastle following Paul Mitchell’s departure as sporting director. It’s understood that Mitchell laid the groundwork for the deal prior to leaving the club, putting the Magpies in a strong position to strike early in the summer window.
Although Chelsea are also believed to be monitoring the situation, they have yet to make a formal approach, leaving Newcastle in the pole position to sign the versatile attacker. Pedro is reportedly open to the move, particularly given how close he came to joining the club in the past, and is eager for a fresh challenge.
Initial conversations over personal terms have already taken place, though an agreement has not yet been finalised, meaning other clubs could still theoretically enter the race.
Pedro’s Role at Newcastle and the Bigger Picture
Eddie Howe views Pedro as an ideal addition to his attacking options. The Brazilian is comfortable playing centrally as a striker, but also has the versatility to operate on either flank, making him a valuable tactical asset as Newcastle prepare to return to the Champions League following their impressive fifth-place Premier League finish last season.
The potential arrival of Pedro does not appear to be linked to the future of Alexander Isak, despite growing interest in the Swedish forward from Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona. Instead, Pedro is being considered as a possible long-term replacement for Callum Wilson, whose contract is set to expire on June 30. While there have been talks over a short-term extension for Wilson, the 33-year-old could be allowed to leave should the Pedro deal be finalised.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are said to be eager to extend Isak’s contract, and reports suggest the club are prepared to break their current wage structure to secure the striker’s long-term future at St James’ Park.
Strategic Investment for a Competitive Future
The Joao Pedro deal reflects Newcastle’s broader strategy under their current ownership—to invest in young, dynamic talent with high resale value and room for growth, while simultaneously building a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
With the 2025/26 season expected to bring further challenges both domestically and in Europe, acquiring a player like Pedro, who has Premier League experience and is still approaching his peak years, could be a crucial step in solidifying Newcastle’s ambitions of becoming a permanent fixture among the Premier League elite.
If all goes to plan, Pedro could be unveiled as Newcastle’s first marquee signing of the summer in the coming weeks, giving the Magpies a major boost as they prepare to return to the European stage.