Newcastle United have to listen to what Troy Deeney has said about Joao Pedro, it’ll make their mind up

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Joao Pedro to Newcastle United would certainly get Troy Deeney’s seal of approval.

Newcastle are becoming confident about signing Pedro, as they prepare to open negotiations with Brighton and Hove Albion over a deal for the 23-year-old.

It has been reported that Pedro is open to joining Newcastle, while Geordie Boot Boys understand that the attacker is willing to play on the right of attack for Eddie Howe’s side.

Pedro primarily plays as a central striker, but he also has the versatility that Howe craves in his players. And that is why what Troy Deeney said about Pedro in 2024 should be music to the Newcastle United manager’s ears.

Troy Deeney says Newcastle United target Joao Pedro will go to the ‘very top’

Having played alongside Pedro at Watford, Deeney spoke about him during an appearance on TalkSPORT in September 2024.

He explained that Pedro’s ability to play in multiple positions sums up why the attacker is ‘just that good’.

“He’s destined to go to the very, very top,” he said.

“I think he’s got a level of ability that he can play anywhere across the top three lines. Then he could probably, as time goes on, drop into a 10 or certainly drop into an eight. He’s just that good.

“You know when someone’s good but you can’t tell you what their best position is. He’s just good. You just know you’ve got to play him.”

Where Joao Pedro could fit in at Newcastle United

Signing Pedro will open up a world of opportunities in attack for Howe.

Primarily, it will mean that Alexander Isak has more competition at St James’ Park. That is something he desperately needs, with Callum Wilson on course to leave at the end of June. While Will Osula is showing signs of improvement, it is still a big ask for him to be Isak’s main understudy.

Pedro can fill that role, while he can also play alongside Isak. As Deeney says, Pedro can play anywhere across the front, which means Howe could deploy him on either flank. That would allow him to link up with Isak, which is a tantalising prospect.

Signing Pedro would also give Howe the chance to change his formation. He could play Isak and Pedro together as two central strikers, shifting his formation from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2. Alternatively, Pedro could play slightly deeper as an attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

The flexibility that Pedro provides is exactly why Newcastle United must bring him to Tyneside. While Liam Delap represented excellent value at £30million, he is only capable of playing as an out-and-out striker.

Missing out on him has forced Newcastle to turn to Pedro, and it could prove to be a blessing for the Magpies.