Newcastle United transfer target Joao Pedro has already explained why he and Alexander Isak could flourish up front together.
Geordie Boot Boys understands that Newcastle United are interested in signing Pedro from Brighton this summer, three years on from when their interest first emerged.
Indeed, Newcastle almost signed Pedro from Watford in 2022 but eventually moved for Isak instead.
Now, however, they could soon have both players in their starting lineup. Pedro is willing to change position if he signs for Newcastle, so wouldn’t necessarily be fighting with Isak for a starting berth despite previously playing as a striker.
In fact, his comments about what he can do in different roles should seriously excite the superstar Swede.
Joao Pedro’s exciting message to Alexander Isak
Speaking to Sky Sports in late 2024, Pedro has revealed that he believes the fact he played in a deeper role while still at the Fluminense academy helped him understand the game better.
That will be music to Isak’s ears. While Jacob Murphy was a productive assister for him last season, no one else in the squad got into double figures in the Premier League. Only Murphy, Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon have ever hit double figures across the Eddie Howe era entirely.
“I was a No.10 before when I was in the academy but when I grew up I changed my position to No.9,” he said.
“I like to play inside as well, because I understand the game,” he added.
“If you play that position, you need to look over your shoulders and I think when I need to defend, I understand a little bit more.”
Joao Pedro’s statistics for assists
Pedro was speaking about his brilliant assist for teammate Kaoru Mitoma against Bournemouth in 2024.
The idea that he could bring those skills to a Newcastle attack already boasting some serious firepower in Isak, Murphy, Gordon and Harvey Barnes is seriously exciting.
| Season | Assists |
| 2024/25 | 10 |
| 2023/24 | 9 |
Pedro registered 10 assists during the 2024/25 campaign, the season before that he made nine in only 19 Premier League starts.
They are impressive numbers and it stands to reason that potentially having a striker as good as Isak ahead of him would see his tally increase even further.
Together, there’s every chance the two could flourish.
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