It’s looking increasingly likely that Joao Pedro will leave Brighton and Hove Albion by the end of the summer, but just where he will go remains to be seen.
Newcastle United are the current frontrunners, with it being reported that we’re willing to negotiate with the Seagulls around their £60m valuation of the forward.
And by all accounts, it looks like there’s a mutual admiration between ourselves and the Brazilian, who is open to a move from the South coast, according to The Telegraph.
One of Joao Pedro’s current teammates, and a fellow Brazilian, has shared his thoughts on the 23-year-old’s rumoured departure, but some comments may not go down well with our fanbase…
“He hasn’t played for a big team yet” – Igor on Pedro
Speaking to Diogo Magri of Trivela, Joao Pedro’s teammate Igor Julio has opened up about a potential departure for his fellow Brazilian.
“Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, look for new things and take the next step,” Igor said.
“It seems it will be difficult and complicated for him to stay here, we have to be honest, the club already knows that he said in contact with them via a video call.”
In a vital World Cup year, the Brazilian striker clearly has high ambitions at both club and international level, and a move away from the South coast could be the springboard he needs to get into Carlo Ancelotti’s thoughts.
Even though nothing is concrete at the moment, Igor looks to have all but confirmed that Pedro will be playing elsewhere with his comments.
“I’m very happy for him. He deserved it. He’s been here in England for five years and he hasn’t played for a big team yet. It’s his moment, his time, so he can make the best decision and be happy wherever he goes.”
Champions League pull and London interest?
We’ve already seen from Thomas Tuchel that he won’t pick many, if any players outside of European football for his England squad, and should Ancelotti adopt a similar mentality, Pedro will be making a smart choice by switching clubs.
“I told him that he has to think about what he wants from his career. In my opinion, if I were going to a Big Six team, I would go to a team that competes in the Premier League, plays in the Champions League and is always in a position to win.”
Typically, this would be something that we can use in our favour, being a Champions League club with a recent trophy win and attractive football.
Instead, Julio hints that Pedro’s eyes could be elsewhere. And like many a wantaway Premier League star, he may have his eyes on London and London alone.
“I would go to a Liverpool team and I think he would fit in perfectly at Liverpool. It’s because I’ve always dreamed of playing for Liverpool and I would go there.”
“He told me that he really wants to live in London, so I think he will prioritise what comes from there first.”
We’ve already seen Dean Huijsen this summer entertain offers from us and other clubs whilst waiting for his personal choice (Real Madrid) to come knocking, could we potentially see Pedro do the same?
Chelsea were tenuously linked with showing interest in Pedro earlier this week, and it would be a bitter pill to swallow should Pedro opt to become just another forward in their inflated squad.
We only paid £63m for Isak – I’m not having this kid at anything over £50m.
If he wants to stay in the big smoke then 🤷🏼♂️. Bruno and Joelinton manage well enough in Geordie land – so it can’t be all that bad.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Bad attitude, poor discipline and an average at best player that flatters to deceive. Oh, and he had a 15 year old girlfriend who he brought over here when he joined Watford. Classy.
Does that sound like a player we want? I’m sure he’ll enjoy London, he and his (15 year old) girlfriend certainly did when he was at Watford. Good riddance, it’d be a disaster if we paid anything near £50m for Joao Paedo.
Ian(Quote)
Just a reality check here, Newcastle aren’t a “big” team
Adrian Chorlton(Quote)
So a team mate says these comments to a journalist/pundit expert and the possible transfer is now looking doubtful. Wow where do you go for the next latest news, the toilet walls? Tosh
Kiddafromthetoon(Quote)
Nick Woltemade 23. 17 goals and 3 assists from 33 games for Stuttgart in Germany. £30m
Joao Pedro 23. 10 goals and 7 assists from 30 games for Brighton in England. Silly money.
PremAndUp(Quote)
The whole “big team”/”big club” label is so dumb in the first place.
So yesterday seemed to be positive conjecture on potential transfers in, and today not so much.
Though I think I prefer it when we don’t do what the likes of Chelsea, Man Utd etc do. I like it if we look under the radar, and spend less. Pedro…I don’t know. You imagine if you offered him Chelsea or Toon tomorrow he’d take Chelsea. Which is a Neanderthal choice, because of the fashionable pull of West London even despite that he would be just one of about forty “first teamers” down there. If I were Howe, I would look elsewhere for the right winger/striker/right sided CB etc and think very out of the box. And I wouldn’t sign a goalkeeper at all. We trust in whatever is decided though either way!
Adam(Quote)
Who do you support ?? I bet your a Manchester ***** . Bitter and cold coz the good times have gone . Sorry but grow up and focus on your **** club . Enjoy next season battling relagation .
S.dodds(Quote)
The only reason certain players have chosen Man U is they can offer more; more in terms of wages as they appear to be immune from restricted trading practices. I have no doubt that’s why players have agents. Find me the most prestigious club, I don’t care about the money. Please, kid your self by all means but spare everyone else.
Players don’t care about the size of the club. They want paying and to be in a top team. Not a designer label pretend team. PSG and Newcastle have shown it takes more than money to make a team succeed.
Brighton isn’t that far from London anyway. I couldn’t see moving to London being a priority in this case.
The little birdy(Quote)
Was it this same site that posted an article yesterday saying that he didn’t want to come to Newcastle, probably because we agreed a deal for him a couple of years ago then changed our mind and bought Isak?
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
Pedro would be a waste of money .. attitude and disciplinary history plus a dubious personal life and problems with teammates .. he reminds me of a grade b high maintenance neymar.,, he has trouble written all over him
Mike(Quote)