Newcastle Step Up Pursuit of Joao Pedro Despite Rejected Bid

Newcastle United are going all-in this summer, and one of their main targets is Brighton forward Joao Pedro. The Magpies submitted a £50 million offer this week, but Brighton turned it down. Still, the door isn’t shut just yet — talks are ongoing between the two clubs.

Pedro has been on Newcastle’s radar for a while now. Their interest first sparked back in 2022 during his Watford days, but a deal never materialised. The Brazilian eventually joined Brighton instead, and two years later, Newcastle are back at the table with serious intent. Their opening offer reportedly included £45 million upfront and another £5 million in potential add-ons. But Brighton, true to their strong negotiating stance, are holding out for closer to £60 million. 

Newcastle’s pursuit of Pedro is part of a broader summer plan, with moves also lined up for Anthony Elanga and James Trafford. It’s an ambitious triple swoop that, if pulled off, could significantly bolster Eddie Howe’s squad ahead of their Champions League campaign. 

Pedro, who cost Brighton £30 million from Watford, is expected to leave the south coast club this summer. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Brazilian forward is "expected to leave" — a stance that adds weight to Newcastle’s pursuit. Brighton are already preparing for life after Pedro, having signed teenage sensation Charalampos Kostoulas for over £30 million. As is often the case with Brighton, they look set to cash in on Pedro for a tidy profit to reinvest in younger talents.  

Pedro, now 23 and a Brazil international, fits perfectly into Newcastle’s strategy of targeting players with high potential who can grow under Howe. His versatility is another big plus — he can play as a striker, a wide forward, or even drop into an attacking midfield role. That kind of flexibility could prove invaluable for a Newcastle side juggling domestic and European ambitions. While the first bid may have been turned down, this is far from over. Newcastle have the funds, the need, and the desire to make something happen — and Joao Pedro looks like a top priority. 

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