Watford's Joao Pedro in action with Chelsea's N'Golo Kante and Saul Niguez
Leeds United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Watford striker Joao Pedro, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb.
The lowdown: Rising star
Signed from Fluminense in January 2020, Pedro took to life in England with impressive ease despite only making 28 senior outings prior to making the switch.
The 20-year-old Brazilian attacker scored nine times and provided four assists in 40 appearances for the Hornets in 2020/21 as Watford earned promotion back to the top flight before suffering relegation last term.
Now, it seems as though Leeds are set to make an attempt to bring Pedro back to the Premier League…
The latest: Loan move
As per Tuttomercatoweb, Leeds are ‘one step away’ from signing the talented frontman and have been very ‘active in the last few hours’.
It’s claimed that Victor Orta is closing in on a double swoop from Watford, with Ismaila Sarr potentially arriving at Elland Road on a permanent deal.
The report states that Pedro – who was described as an ‘exciting player’ by ex-Hornets boss Xisco Munoz – would ‘arrive on loan’ with no mention of a potential option to buy.
The verdict: Options required
Even without the possibility of a long-term deal for Pedro on the table, signing the languid 6-foot-tall Brazilian would be a smart move from the Leeds hierarchy in order to strengthen Jesse Marsch’s immediate attacking options.
Despite the Hornets’ difficult campaign, last season, the £12.6million valued starlet scored four times and registered one assist in 29 appearances across all competitions, operating as a centre-forward, left-winger and right-winger in the process.
Sharing similar stylistic traits to the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Raul Jimenez and Ivan Toney (FBref), Pedro – who has already found the net in the Championship this term – certainly has the potential and the physicality to succeed at the elite level.
Leeds are yet to bolster the striker department following an injury-hit season for Patrick Bamford and therefore this is a low-risk deal that would make an abundance of sense.
About the Author
