‘Agreement reached’ – David Ornstein breaks Joao Pedro exclusive as Newcastle United receive huge transfer news
Joao Pedro Set for Chelsea Switch in Transfer Blow to Newcastle United
In what could prove to be a significant early twist in the summer transfer market, Joao Pedro is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to Chelsea, dealing a considerable setback to Newcastle United’s carefully laid recruitment strategy.
The Brighton & Hove Albion forward had emerged as a top priority target for Eddie Howe’s side, with the Magpies holding advanced talks with the Seagulls regarding a summer move. Newcastle were keen to bring the 23-year-old Brazilian to St James’ Park to bolster their attacking ranks ahead of a demanding 2025/26 campaign, which includes participation in the Champions League.
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Newcastle’s £50m Bid Rejected
Reports from several sources indicated that Newcastle launched an opening bid worth approximately £50 million, only for Brighton to reject the proposal. Despite the rejection, United had remained confident of securing a deal—especially after Pedro reportedly informed Brighton’s hierarchy of his desire to leave following a training ground bust-up toward the end of last season.
The altercation saw Pedro left out of Brighton’s final-day win against Tottenham Hotspur, signalling what many believed to be the beginning of the end of his time at the Amex Stadium. Newcastle viewed that moment as an ideal opportunity to revive interest in a player they had previously pursued.
Back in 2022, while he was still at Watford, the Magpies came agonisingly close to signing Pedro before the transfer fell apart late in negotiations. That collapse ultimately led to the record-breaking acquisition of Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad—a decision that has since paid off, with the Swedish striker flourishing into one of the most lethal attackers in European football.
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Versatile Pedro Seen as Ideal Fit by Howe
This summer, Newcastle reignited their pursuit, drawn to Pedro’s impressive performances in the Premier League and his positional versatility. Capable of playing as a central striker, a No.10, or even out wide, the Brazilian was viewed as a perfect fit for Eddie Howe’s tactical blueprint.
With an intense fixture list on the horizon and Newcastle expected to compete on multiple fronts, signing Pedro would have added valuable depth, creativity, and flexibility to the Magpies’ frontline. The club’s recruitment team, working closely with Howe, considered Pedro one of their top offensive priorities heading into the window.
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Chelsea Hijack the Deal
However, in a surprise twist, David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Chelsea have swooped in and agreed a deal with Brighton for Joao Pedro, effectively hijacking Newcastle’s move. Ironically, the fee is said to be in the region of £50 million—a valuation very close to what Newcastle had initially offered.
Pedro has reportedly always favoured a move to London, and the chance to join a club like Chelsea—who are also rebuilding under a new manager and aiming to return to Champions League football—was seen as too good to turn down.
He is expected to sign a seven-year contract with the West London outfit, and preparations are already underway for his medical.
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First Setback for Newcastle’s Summer Ambitions
For Newcastle United, this represents the first major disappointment of what promises to be a busy transfer window. The club had earmarked Pedro as a statement signing to help signal their ambitions, but they now face the challenge of regrouping quickly and shifting focus to alternative targets.
The Magpies still have pressing needs in attack and midfield and are expected to remain active in the coming weeks. However, missing out on Pedro—especially after coming so close to signing him in the past—will sting.
As the transfer window unfolds, all eyes will be on how Newcastle respond to this blow and whether they can land an attacker of similar quality to keep their upward momentum under Eddie Howe intact. For Chelsea, it marks the addition of another promising young talent to their ever-growing roster of long-term investments.