Newcastle United tried and failed to sign Joao Pedro during the summer, and his teammate Dan Gosling hopes the Magpies don’t make a fresh move in January.
The Brazilian forward looked certain to be joining Eddie Howe’s side earlier in the year. It was even claimed that a deal was done between Newcastle and Watford.
But those claims from Fabrizio Romano were wide of the mark, and Pedro remained at Vicarage Road. As for Newcastle, their striker search ended with them breaking their transfer record on Alexander Isak.
Once Isak arrived for £63million, it looked like Pedro wouldn’t be heading to St James’ Park. However, there was one last attempt to bring him to Tyneside, with a swap deal involving Chris Wood being proposed.
But Watford said no, and have since tied Pedro down to a new long-term deal.
Since the summer window closed, the 21-year-old has continued to be mentioned as a Newcastle target, although not as intensely as someone like James Maddison.
But with the January window right around the corner, Watford midfielder Gosling has spoke about Pedro possibly joining his former club.
Gosling on Pedro possibly going to Newcastle in January
Gosling, who previously played for Newcastle, has spoke to the Chronicle about Pedro, and commented on a possible move up north for his Brazilian teammate.
“I knew about the speculation,” he said.
“I knew all about that. There was firm interest, bids going in, so I was just praying. I was glad [Alexander] Isak went. That stopped the Joao move to be honest.
“You never know in the future, but hopefully not in January. Joao wants to go to the very top and play in the Champions League. I’m sure sooner or later that club is going to be another one in the conversation.”
One to watch in the future, but probably not January
The fact Gosling is so keen to continue playing alongside Pedro speaks volumes about his ability. The South American youngster is an important player for Watford, who are looking to return to the Premier League after relegation last season.
While Pedro could be a target for Newcastle again in the future, a fresh bid in January would come as a surprise.
Pedro’s valuation has surely shot up after he signed a new contract, which could make him an expensive addition. He already wasn’t cheap during the summer, when it looked like a fee of £30million would bring him to St James’ Park.
It has been reported that the Toon owners won’t spend big money during January, so a fresh move for Pedro feels unlikely.
However, that doesn’t mean Newcastle will never return for the former Fluminense man. The Magpies have already proven they are prepared to bide their time for the right player, as they did with Sven Botman.
It took them a long time to bring him to the North East, and it could prove to be a similar situation with Pedro.
If Dan Ashworth and co really believe that Pedro could be a star in black and white, they will surely return to the table when the time is right.