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Newcastle step up their pursuit of £60m “role model”
Newcastle United have been strongly linked with a move for Brighton and Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro this summer, and now an update has been provided on their pursuit.
The Magpies are yet to make a concrete bid for any of their targets this summer, but are expected to reinvest in their squad this summer after qualifying for the Champions League for the second time under Eddie Howe’s guidance.
The Newcastle boss will be eager to strengthen both the attack and defence to boost the club’s chances of competing confidently on all fronts next season and to further cement his legendary status with the addition of more silverware.
Although the signing of a right winger remains a high priority for the club, they are also interested in adding another striker to the squad, with it becoming increasingly likely that Callum Wilson will depart next month.
The England international’s current contract expires in July, and although it has been reliably reported that the club are attempting to agree a new deal, nothing has materialised as of yet.
Regardless, Wilson is not the long-term solution in the depth of the striker role and signing his successor would be the ideal direction to go in to keep focus on building a squad for the future, not just next season.
The Telegraph has reported this afternoon that Newcastle are stepping up their pursuit of Pedro, despite the current valuation standing at £60m for Brighton to part ways, the Magpies are keen to negotiate.
The publication claims that the Seagulls’ acquisition of young Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas will help Newcastle in their efforts to sign Pedro, as the club would now be more inclined to allow their player to leave.
Will Newcastle sign Joao Pedro?
It is no secret that Newcastle are keen to bolster their attacking threat this summer and Pedro would be a fantastic asset to secure given his versatility and goal-scoring capabilities.
Since arriving at Brighton in 2023, the 23-year-old Brazilian – once described as a “role model” by Fabian Hurzeler – has netted 30 goals and provided ten assists across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.
Averaging a goal contribution every 122 minutes, his impressive and consistent output would no doubt be warmly received on Tyneside if he could boost numbers alongside Alexander Isak.
Indeed, the current reported £60m price tag would represent a significant investment if Pedro were restricted to playing solely as a centre-forward.
However, his experience operating just behind the striker and on the left flank offers Newcastle the chance to sign a versatile player who can provide valuable depth across multiple positions.
With that being said, it will be interesting to see when and if Newcastle will make their interest concrete for Pedro and how he would be utilised in the team to ensure the investment to signing him won’t be wasted on the bench.
