Joao Pedro has confirmed that he is staying at Watford on transfer deadline day, despite being linked with a move to Newcastle.
The Magpies have been heavily linked with signing the 20-year-old this summer. He appeared to be Dan Ashworth’s main target before the Alexander Isak deal happened.
Newcastle made multiple bids for Pedro, and it was even claimed by Fabrizio Romano that a £30million deal had been agreed. However, his claims appeared to be wide of the mark.
Now the Brazilian ace has taken to Instagram to clear up rumours surrounding his future at Vicarage Road.
Joao Pedro staying at Watford
Pedro has released a statement on his official Instagram account, confirming that he will not be leaving Watford this summer.
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The caption reads: “I’m very happy here. I love being at Watford and I want to do more with them. I spoke to the Board yesterday and i am fully committed to the club and looking forward to a successful season. Let’s go Hornets.”
Newcastle made fresh Pedro move
Pedro’s statement ends Newcastle’s hopes of bringing him to St James’ Park. That will be seen as a disappointment, as the club were seemingly prepared to spend big money to sign him.
Even the arrival of Isak didn’t put Newcastle off a move for the South American star. According to the Telegraph (11.41am), the Magpies have made a late move to try and land Pedro. However, Watford have said no. They also turned down an approach from Everton.
Instead, Pedro will remain a Championship player, and that might be best for his development. He’s already enjoyed a bright start in the second tier.
While Newcastle have missed out this summer, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s a player the Toon hierarchy revisit in the future. He’s only 20-years-old, and has a huge amount of potential.
The only worry is that the better he plays for Watford, the more money they will want for him. But for now, Pedro is staying down south rather than heading to Tyneside.
It had been claimed that he wants to play alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, but instead he’ll have to settle for watching them on the telly.