The door could suddenly be opening up for Newcastle United to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton.
Newcastle want to sign Pedro this summer, three years after narrowly missing out on a deal for the Brazilian.
There could now be a fresh opportunity for the Magpies to strike a deal, but only if they break the bank. Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Brighton want £70million for Pedro, which would break Newcastle’s transfer record.
While Newcastle United weigh up whether or not to splash out on Pedro, it appears that Brighton are already set to sign his replacement.
Brighton in talks to sign new striker amid Joao Pedro to Newcastle rumour
Journalist Alex Crook has told the TalkSPORT YouTube channel that Brighton have made a £34million bid for Olympiacos forward Charalampos Kostoulas.
The 18-year-old could be on his way to the Amex Stadium for a huge fee, and Newcastle fans will hope that leaves the door open for Pedro to head to Tyneside.
According to Crook, a ‘significant offer’ could result in the Seagulls cashing in on the 23-year-old.
“In terms of Joao Pedro, it was a bit of a sorry end to the season for him,” he said.
“He didn’t play their last two games. He got himself involved in a training ground spat with Jan Paul Van Hecke. The club were telling me at the end of the season that it had been dealt with privately. That they expect him to come back, get his head down and work hard to regain the manager’s trust.
“I think if they do get a significant offer, and Newcastle are one of the clubs interested, then maybe they will decide the time is right to cash in, particularly with his replacement seemingly with one foot in the Amex.”
Newcastle United told Joao Pedro can be selfish
Eddie Howe is clearly a huge fan of Pedro. That is why he wanted to sign him in 2022, and that interest remains in 2025. The Newcastle United manager must believe that Pedro is a special talent that can thrive in his team.
However, former Toon defender Stuart Pearce is unconvinced by Pedro and has suggested that he is not a team player.
“When I have watched him, I think he plays for himself rather than the team,” he told TalkSPORT.
“I might be being a bit too critical of him. He has certainly got talent. Would I take him? Depends what club I am at, in all honesty. Jury is out on that one.”
If Pedro does move to St James’ Park, he will have the perfect opportunity to prove Pearce wrong.
Howe wants Pedro to play alongside Alexander Isak in attack. The hope will be that they can form an exciting partnership and help ensure that the Magpies score even more goals.
However, that partnership will not flourish if Pedro plays selfishly like Pearce has suggested.
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