‘Expected’ – Newcastle United handed major transfer hint as Brighton boss delivers 28-word verdict
Joao Pedro Resurfaces as Newcastle’s Priority Target Amid Summer Squad Revamp
Brazilian forward Joao Pedro has firmly emerged as one of Newcastle United’s key targets this summer, as the club look to bolster their attacking ranks under Eddie Howe. With a demanding campaign ahead—domestically and in Europe—the Magpies are actively pursuing versatile forward options, and Pedro is seen as an ideal fit to provide both depth and dynamism across the frontline.
The Brighton & Hove Albion attacker’s adaptability is a significant selling point. Not only can Pedro serve as a capable backup for Alexander Isak—particularly when the Swedish striker is rested—but he also has the technical acumen and tactical awareness to operate alongside him. Whether deployed as a second striker, an attacking midfielder, or on the flanks, the Brazilian’s multifaceted game offers Howe greater tactical flexibility.
A Longstanding Interest Rekindled
Newcastle’s interest in Pedro is not new. In fact, it dates back to the summer of 2022, when the club first identified him as a potential signing while he was still at Watford. That pursuit progressed significantly—so much so that famed transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano gave his iconic “here we go” seal of approval, and mock-up images of Pedro in a black-and-white shirt were widely circulated online.
However, the transfer collapsed late in the window. Pedro remained at Vicarage Road for another season before making the switch to Brighton in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of around £30 million. Now, two years after that move and three since Newcastle’s initial pursuit, the club are ready to reignite talks—only this time under much different financial circumstances.
Tough Negotiations Expected with Brighton
While Newcastle’s admiration for Pedro is unwavering, Brighton are not expected to part ways easily with one of their standout performers. Under new manager Fabian Hürzeler, the Seagulls are keen to retain their core stars, particularly with plans to return to the European stage. Brighton have already rejected an initial £50 million bid from Newcastle, and reports suggest they’re holding out for closer to £60 million—a figure that would make Pedro the second-most expensive signing in Newcastle’s history, trailing only the £63 million acquisition of Isak from Real Sociedad in 2022.
Hürzeler himself offered a strong hint about Brighton’s stance on keeping Pedro. When asked by Sky Sports if he expected both Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma to be at the club next season, he responded confidently:
> “Yeah for sure. I’m really looking forward to working with both of them. They are great players. They helped us a lot last season and they are expected to be back next week.”
Such remarks suggest Brighton are bracing for bids, but are under no pressure to sell, especially not to a Premier League rival unless their valuation is met or exceeded.
Newcastle Face Further Resistance in Elanga Pursuit
Pedro isn’t the only winger on Newcastle’s radar. The club remain admirers of Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, the Swedish international who also caught their attention late in last summer’s transfer window. However, financial constraints at the time—and Forest’s high valuation—prevented any serious move from materialising.
Elanga, who impressed in the 2024/25 campaign with over 15 goal contributions, remains a difficult target for the Magpies due to Forest’s insistence on holding firm amid strong internal resistance to letting key attacking assets leave.
Strategic Significance of Pedro Signing
Signing Pedro would be a landmark addition for Newcastle—not just financially, but symbolically. It would mark the culmination of a long-standing chase for a player they identified years ago and reinforce the club’s strategy of targeting youthful, high-ceiling talent capable of both immediate impact and long-term growth.
Moreover, Pedro’s arrival could represent a succession plan for Callum Wilson, who is now 33 and nearing the end of his contract, which expires on June 30. Although Newcastle are keen to tie Isak down to a new long-term deal amid interest from top European sides such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Barcelona, Pedro’s versatility makes him complementary, not just a replacement.
Summer Transfer Window Details
With the summer transfer window officially open, clubs have until Monday, September 1, to conclude business. Notably, the closing time has been adjusted from the traditional 11pm to 7pm, allowing a more structured and manageable conclusion to what can often be a chaotic final day. This change is aimed at improving working conditions for club staff and media professionals involved in last-minute negotiations.
Although the window had an early ten-day opening in June for clubs participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, the main period for major moves is now in full swing—and Newcastle appear determined to make an early splash.
If the Magpies are to finalise a deal for Joao Pedro, it will require resilience, precision, and a willingness to meet Brighton’s demands. But if they succeed, they will add a player capable of elevating their attack to new levels ahead of a season in which they aim to cement themselves in Europe and challenge the Premier League’s elite.