Joao Pedro has revealed that he was “upset” for a long time after his proposed move to Newcastle United collapsed last summer.
Back in August 2022, Fabrizio Romano claimed it was a ‘done deal’ for £25m + £5m in add-ons, but this proved premature and we failed to strike a deal with Watford.
18 months later, the Brazilian is now at Brighton and impressing under Roberto De Zerbi, scoring six goals in his first 17 games for the club after sealing a club-record £30m move to the Amex back in May.
However, things could’ve been very different for the striker, who has confirmed to Globo Esporte that he was in negotiations to join Newcastle and left devastated – “even months ago” – that the deal didn’t go through.
“I had that negotiation with Newcastle. Even months ago, I was upset that I hadn’t left, but I said: now is my time at Watford, I have to make it happen, since it didn’t happen, this time it will.
“I made it happen last season, and I think Brighton was the best way forward. They’re a club that give opportunities to youngsters. It believes in us. I made the right choice. I’m very happy here.”
The one that got away for Eddie Howe? He is certainly a huge talent who would’ve fit in well, but we can’t complain too much when we went on to sign Alexander Isak instead just four days on from Romano’s ‘here we go’ announcement!
