Newcastle United have received a boost in their quest to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton.
The 23-year-old is back on the Magpies’ radar, but Newcastle have been worried about Pedro’s asking price.
Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Joao Pedro could cost £70million, which is more than what the Magpies are willing to pay.
They will hope that his asking price drops, as Eddie Howe aims to finally bring the Brazilian to Tyneside. Newcastle failed to sign Pedro in 2022, and are now making a fresh approach three years later.
How Joao Pedro feels about signing for Newcastle United
The Magpies were so close to signing the attacker in 2022. Pedro wanted to join Newcastle from Watford, but a deal collapsed.
The landscape is very different in 2025. Pedro has really established himself as a top quality Premier League forward, while Newcastle United boast one of the best strikers in the world in Alexander Isak.
His presence has made it difficult for the Magpies to sign a forward, with Liam Delap snubbing Newcastle’s interest.
Toon officials hope that Pedro will feel differently, and the Telegraph report that Newcastle United have received encouragement that he is keen to swap the Amex Stadium for St James’ Park.
That is a huge boost for Howe, but it will count for nothing if Newcastle are unable to agree a fee with the Seagulls.
Joao Pedro open to position change at Newcastle United
While Newcastle need a forward to provide cover for Isak, they are also keen for whoever arrives to play alongside the Sweden international.
That is something that could appeal to Pedro, with TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey telling Geordie Boot Boys that Brighton’s number nine would be willing to play on the right of attack for Newcastle United as opposed to only being a central striker.
“Part of Joao Pedro’s appeal is his versatility and during talks, his people have conveyed to Newcastle that he is willing to play that right-sided role,” he said.
“Pedro can naturally play off the flank, so it is not an issue. We know Pedro is ready to leave Brighton and Newcastle are one of the clubs most interested, but there are others too.”
This development will only strengthen the Magpies’ desire to sign Pedro, after they ended their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo.
The 25-year-old was their top right winger target, only for Newcastle to decide that Mbeumo is too expensive.
After opting against signing the Cameroon international, Howe could potentially get the chance to utilise Pedro in that position instead.
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