Newcastle United fans were miserable on January 15th 2022 – and it was all because of Joao Pedro. Fast forward to August and the Magpies are now trying to bring the Brazilian to the North East permanently.
We have reportedly had a £20million bid for the 20-year-old rejected by Watford. Dan Ashworth is now considering an improved offer, with Watford wanting £30million for the forward.
That’s a lot of money for someone who has only ever scored three Premier League goals. However, one of them crushed spirits inside St James’ Park earlier this year.
Joao Pedro’s goal last season robbed Newcastle of victory
At the start of the year, Newcastle were in a desperate position. Performances had picked up slightly under Eddie Howe, but relegation still loomed large.
Our first Premier League game of 2022 saw Watford arrive on Tyneside, in a game that felt like a must-win. And up until the 88th minute it looked like Newcastle were going to do just that.
Howe’s side were winning 1-0 thanks to Allan Saint-Maximin’s goal, with new signings Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood looking set to secure victory on their Premier League debuts for the Toon.
Then Joao Pedro struck.
Kiko Femenia played a clever one-two down the right, giving him space to deliver a perfect cross into the area. Newcastle had enough bodies in the box to be able to deal with it, only for Pedro to power over captain Jamaal Lascelles and head in the equaliser.
The defender was hammered by Alan Shearer for letting Pedro beat him in the air. The Toon legend said on Match Of The Day: “Jamaal Lascelles should do better. He should be stronger in there.”
It was a brutal blow. The game ended in a draw, and it felt like there was no way Newcastle could survive anymore.
Somehow we did, but that Pedro goal felt like a real body blow.
If he can score a few of them for us in a black and white shirt then he will be a great signing.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
