The Gallowgate End has a love affair with Brazilian flair, and with reports linking Brighton’s João Pedro with a move to Tyneside, the prospect of a third Samba star gracing our black and white stripes is truly exciting.
With Bruno Guimarães pulling the strings and Joelinton proving to be one of Eddie Howe’s most inspired transformations, João Pedro could be the missing piece of our attacking jigsaw, particularly against those stubborn low-block teams.
At just 23 years old, João Pedro perfectly fits the profile of a typical Eddie Howe signing: young, full of potential, and eager to develop. He’s already shown his quality in the Premier League, with a respectable scoring record of 30 goals in 70 appearances for Brighton since his £30m arrival in 2023.
He offers versatility, capable of playing as a number nine, a ten, or even out wide. This adaptability is crucial for Howe, who values players who can interchange and disrupt opposition defences.
One of the most appealing aspects of João Pedro’s game is his ability to operate in tight spaces and link play. He’s a creative force, adept at dropping deep to knit moves together and delivering precise through-balls. This makes him a significant threat against teams that sit deep and deny space, a challenge Newcastle has sometimes faced.
His knack for drawing fouls and winning penalties is another valuable asset, having been the most fouled regular striker in the Premier League recently and earning more penalties than anyone else in English football since the start of last season.
Imagine the interplay between João Pedro, Alexander Isak, and our existing Brazilian maestros. Isak’s pace and clinical finishing combined with Pedro’s creativity and ability to unlock defences could be a nightmare for opposing backlines.
And the thought of a third Brazilian in the squad, joining Bruno and Joelinton, only adds to the excitement. The existing chemistry and understanding between our current Brazilians could help Pedro settle in seamlessly and unleash his full potential.
Speaking of potential, look at what Eddie Howe has done with Joelinton. Once seen as a struggling striker, Joelinton has been transformed into a midfield powerhouse under Howe’s tutelage. His relentless work rate, defensive tenacity, and surprising technical ability have made him indispensable.
Howe saw something in Joelinton that others missed, and his faith and coaching have paid dividends. There’s every reason to believe he could work similar magic with João Pedro. Pedro’s strong work ethic and pressing ability already align with Howe’s demands, suggesting he would be a natural fit for our system.
While the reported £60 million asking price might raise some eyebrows, when you consider his age, proven Premier League quality, and immense potential, it feels like a shrewd investment for Newcastle. He’s a player who can not only contribute immediately but also significantly increase in value over the coming years, especially if he continues his upward trajectory under Howe’s guidance.
The Magpies have a long-standing interest in João Pedro, having almost signed him in 2022. Now, with Champions League football on the horizon, it feels like the perfect time to reignite that pursuit and bring another exciting Brazilian talent to St. James’ Park. João Pedro could be the key to unlocking even more attacking prowess and ensuring Newcastle United continues to climb to new heights.
Howe has said he only wants players who are fully committed to the cause.
So Pedro won’t be coming.
Joseph(Quote)
No doubt he would be a great addition to our squad,but has already said he prefers a move elsewhere,so I would look elsewhere and let him go wherever he wants
Colin Reid(Quote)