
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 23: Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Vitality Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
João Pedro’s transfer stance and price‑tag request amid Newcastle United’s enquiry:
Rising star meets Magpies’ interest
Newcastle United have reignited their interest in João Pedro, following confirmed enquiries to Brighton & Hove Albion regarding the 23‑year‑old Brazilian forward. Said to be a player Newcastle admire from afar, Pedro now appears firmly on their radar as Eddie Howe eyes reinforcements to boost their Champions League‑bound squad.
Since joining Brighton in 2023 for £30 million from Watford, Pedro has scored 10 Premier League goals last season, showcasing both pace and versatility—qualities ideally suited to Newcastle’s system . Reports via TEAMtalk indicate Newcastle have made proactive contact, with Pedro receptive to the move as a significant career opportunity.
Player profile & fit at St James’ Park
Technical prowess & positional flexibility
Pedro’s assets include technical skill, speed, strength, and two‑footed finishing. At Brighton, he operated across the frontline—right wing, left wing, central striker, and even second striker roles . Newcastle are especially drawn to his ability to both support Alexander Isak and operate independently up front.
Physicality & tactical compatibility
Standing around 6’1″, Pedro combines athleticism with agile footwork. His strength allows him to challenge defenders, while quick burst speed and intelligent dribbling enable him to cut inside from wide areas—a trait Howe often targets. TEAMtalk specifically notes that Howe values Pedro’s “dynamism and goal‑scoring prowess” and that Portuguese reports say Pedro is “open to a move… enticed by the club’s upward trajectory and Champions League status.
Proven Premier League output
In 2024–25, Pedro notched 10 goals and six assists in 27 league appearances—all geared toward bolstering Newcastle’s attacking depth . Across two seasons at Brighton, he totaled 30 goals and 10 assists in roughly 70 matches
The price tag & transfer dynamics
Brighton’s valuation: £70 million
Brighton are demanding in the region of £70 million, nearly 2.3x what they paid just two years ago
This represents a major markup consistent with their strategy of developing talents and retaining them until they demand superstar money.
Pressure to sell?
Brighton posted record revenues of £222.4 million in 2023–24, largely from the Caicedo–to–Chelsea deal, so they are not under any immediate financial pressure . Nevertheless, the club did place Pedro on a £100 million+ valuation alongside Baleba earlier this year.
Negotiation triggered by outgoing link
Interestingly, Brighton have reportedly made a £34 million offer for Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas amid concerns over Pedro’s departure
Their willingness to strengthen suggests openness to selling—but only at the right valuation.
Manchester United, Liverpool & Arsenal also circling
Pedro’s stock is high: Premier League giants Liverpool, Arsenal, and even Manchester United are reportedly tracking his situation . While Liverpool and Madge are principally linked, Arsenal recently emerged as potential contenders with Pepe’s £70 million valuation being noted . Chelsea remain in the mix as well, keeping activity high around his situation .
Newcastle’s edge?
Eddie Howe’s conviction and the promise of Champions League football may prove compelling. TEAMtalk suggests Newcastle are “keen to secure a high‑profile double signing,” and that Pedro is open to moving to St James’ Park . Newcastle’s track record of identifying undervalued talent and the presence of Brazilian key players—Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton—may help with the adaptation.
🧭 What’s next? Timeline & hurdles
Summer window timing
The Premier League first summer window runs June 16–September 1. Newcastle have until around June 16 to secure insurance signings, before undergoing any departures. Brighton are under no selling deadline but might push to conclude business early to reinvest in replacements .
Price negotiations looming
At £70 million, Pedro represents a potential new club record for Newcastle. Their current record is £63 million, paid for Isak in 2022 . Whether Newcastle can bridge a £10–15 million gap will define whether talks progress seriously or stall.
Player’s mindset: Ready for the next step?
Fabrizio Romano reports that Pedro is “expected to leave Brighton” and “is open to a new chapter of his career,” as top Premier League clubs circle NewcastleWorld also notes that, following an enquiry, there is a sense he’s “pushing to leave.
Response to career setback
Last season, Pedro was dropped for Brighton’s final two matches after a training-ground incident—something that club bosses insist is “closed” and “resolved internally” Brighton boss Hurzeler called him “an incredible football player… a match‑winner” that’s “still young… with potential . Pedro could view a move to Newcastle as a fresh start—especially alongside fellow Brazilians and in a club on the rise.
👁️ Strategic implications for Newcastle
Stepping up for Europe
Returning to the Champions League forces Newcastle to expand and elevate their squad. Howe has previously remarked on their lack of depth, particularly in wide attacking areas. Bruno Guimarães stated, “we’re going to need more players… when we played Champions League, we lost some players to injury… it was messy” . Pedro fits the brief—a versatile attacker with proven Premier League experience.
Tactical fit
Pedro can deploy on either wing or centrally, providing tactical flexibility for Howe. Whether partnering Isak or even starting alongside him, his ability to rotate across front-line positions would give Newcastle more unpredictability against high-level European competition.
📝 Reds vs Blues: who wins the chase?
Newcastle’s chances
- Pro: Champions League football and Eddie Howe’s reputation for developing Brazilian players
- Pro: Early enquiry indicates serious interest
- Con: Potential club-record fee could deter them
- Con: Other top clubs are likelier to offer more money quickly
Brighton’s position
- Pro: Not in a rush to sell; financial flexibility
- Pro: Holding out for a high valuation around £70 million+
- Con: Need to bring in replacements, like Kostoulas or other transfers
Pedro’s stance
- Pro: Keen for a step up and a fresh challenge
- Con: Happy at Brighton, but wants career progression
⏳ Outlook: transfer window road ahead
- Initial valuation: Brighton stand firm at
£70 millionreflecting both Pedro’s form and market trends. - Newcastle’s timeliness: To avoid a bidding war, Newcastle need to agree quickly—before Arsenal, Liverpool, or Manchester United intensify their interest.
- Competitive environment: It’s increasingly a multi‑club race—Newcastle must offer convincing sporting and financial terms.
- Final decision: Brighton will sell if the valuation is met, but insist on prudent squad replacement.