Newcastle United wanted to sign Brighton striker Joao Pedro in the summer transfer window but he has gone to Chelsea instead.
It’s been slow going in the summer transfer window so far for Newcastle United, though business is expected to pick up once the PSR deadline has passed.
Eddie Howe wants to add some serious quality to his squad so it can compete in the Premier League and Champions League next season but has had little luck so far.
Matheus Cunha has joined Manchester United and top target Bryan Mbeumo looks to be following him, with Nottingham Forest rejecting a £45m bid for Anthony Elanga, too.
Joao Pedro became the latest forward Newcastle missed out on when he joined Chelsea.
Here’s everything you need to know about him.
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Who is Joao Pedro?
Joao Pedro is a Brazilian forward who plays for Brighton.
Pedro began his career as a defensive midfielder at Fluminense but gradually moved his way up the field to become the striker he is today.
Pedro’s potential was spotted by Watford before he had even made his debut and they agreed to sign the teenager 18 months before he finally arrived.
His arrival at Vicarage Road was set for January 2020, but the pandemic hampered the move and he didn’t grab his first goal for the Hornets until September.
Pedro shone at Watford and Brighton paid an estimated £30m to sign him. He has continued to impress, contributing 40 goals in 70 games.
Joao Pedro to Newcastle United transfer news
Newcastle were first interested in Pedro in 2022 but opted to sign Alexander Isak instead. A decision that has certainly paid off.
However, three years on, Newcastle circled Pedro once again in the transfer window.
However, the Magpies missed out on another top target as Pedro opted to join Chelsea instead.
What position does Joao Pedro play?
Though a centre-forward by trade, Pedro is a versatile forward, which is exactly why Newcastle want him.
Pedro regularly plays as a winger and an attacking midfielder, two positions Newcastle could do with strengthening.
He’s an ideal signing as he isn’t a striker who will be sitting out when Alexander Isak is fit but can easily take his place if he’s unavailable.
How old is Joao Pedro?
Pedro was born in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, on September 26, 2001. As of June 2025, he is 23 years old.
Joao Pedro height
Pedro stands at 6′ tall.
Joao Pedro salary
According to Salary Sport, Pedro earns £45,000 a week at Brighton, which works out at £2,340,000 a year.
Newcastle would easily be able to hand him a big pay rise at St. James’ Park.
Joao Pedro stats
Pedro’s stats for club and country so far.
| Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| Fluminense | 36 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Watford | 109 | 24 | 8 | 12 | 1 |
| Brighton | 70 | 30 | 10 | 8 | 1 |
| Brazil | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Joao Pedro Instagram and X/Twitter accounts
Pedro has an official Instagram account with 737k followers @joaopedro.oficial.
He does not appear to have an official X, formerly Twitter, account.
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