Newcastle United faced questions at the beginning of the 2024/25 season after a slow transfer window seemed to halt their upward trajectory under Eddie Howe and resulted in them missing out on European qualification.
However, the team recovered well, finishing fifth in the Premier League to secure a return to the Champions League and also winning the Carabao Cup under Howe`s leadership.
The club is now looking to build for the future, and a key target appears to be Brighton`s Joao Pedro.
Negotiations Underway for Brighton Star
While there was a reported £45m offer for Anthony Elanga rejected by Nottingham Forest, who seem unwilling to sell, Newcastle are also strongly pursuing other attacking options. With Miguel Almiron having departed in winter, leaving Jacob Murphy somewhat isolated on the right, reinforcements are needed. Joao Pedro fits the bill and could add athletic quality and width to Howe`s frontline.
Indeed, according to GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle remain determined to sign the Brighton & Hove Albion forward, who is expected to leave the AMEX this summer.
However, Brighton chairman Tony Bloom is reportedly sticking to his £60m valuation for the 23-year-old, who is considered one of the Premier League`s brightest young talents and is also attracting interest from Chelsea.
Despite the price tag, Newcastle are said to have held productive discussions with the South Coast club and could be close to reaching an advanced stage in negotiations. The Magpies have previously been considered favourites to land Pedro.
How Joao Pedro Would Complement the Attack
Although Newcastle are planning contract talks with star striker Alexander Isak due to interest from clubs like Liverpool, they are not expected to sell the £200m-rated forward this year.
Pedro`s arrival would offer competition for places and provide tactical flexibility, potentially playing as a secondary striker behind Isak or on the left wing.
The Brazilian, signed by Brighton from Watford for approximately £30m two years ago, has impressive statistics, having contributed 30 goals and 10 assists in 70 appearances for the club.
| Joao Pedro – Career Stats by Position | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Centre-forward | 119 | 34 | 18 |
| Left winger | 40 | 14 | 0 |
| Attacking midfield | 27 | 11 | 1 |
| Right winger | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Primarily operating centrally, Pedro is described as quick and decisive with the ball. Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard praised his `magical` technical ability, highlighting his flair often associated with Brazilian players (`Seleção style`).
This technical range could perfectly complement the sheer pace of Anthony Elanga, who is reportedly the third fastest player in the league. Elanga could exploit the space created by Pedro`s creativity and passing.
Statistical analysis further supports Pedro`s creative impact. According to FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of forwards in Europe`s top five leagues over the past year for assists. He also ranks highly for passes attempted (top 17%), shot-creating actions (top 17%), and progressive passes per 90 (top 12%). Sofascore data adds that he created 11 big chances in the Premier League last season and averaged 1.1 dribbles and nearly five duels per game.
Meanwhile, Elanga, who himself claims to be one of the league`s fastest players, demonstrated his potential with six goals and 11 assists for Forest last year. His rapid pace, combined with Pedro`s creative talents and Howe`s system, could significantly boost Newcastle`s attacking threat.
