Watford will reportedly demand a transfer fee of around €30-40 million for young striker Joao Pedro, who is a target for Newcastle and West Ham United.
According to Brazilian publication, UOL, Newcastle United and West Ham United will have to shell out a sum of €30-40 million if they wish to sign Joao Pedro from Watford in the summer transfer window.
A product of the Fluminense youth academy in Brazil, Joao Pedro joined Watford in the January transfer window of 2020 in a deal the value of which has risen to around €11.5 million including bonuses. The 20-year-old had caught the eyes of several clubs with his form at Fluminense but has been a slow starter with the Hornets.
So far in over two years with the Hertfordshire outfit, Pedro has featured 74 times in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and setting up five more. A versatile forward who can play anywhere across the frontline, the Brazilian did not exactly set the stage alight in the recently concluded Premier League campaign during which Watford were relegated.
Pedro finished the season with four goals and an assist from 29 matches in all competitions. While his return might have been poor, the youngster managed to catch the eye of several clubs with his directness and ability to cause problems to the defences with his pace and movement.
Newcastle United, for one, have shown an interest in Pedro as they look to add more firepower to their attacking unit in the summer. The Magpies are over-reliant on Allan Saint-Maximin to provide that bit of spark in the final third, while January signing Chris Wood has not been delivering the goods in front of the goal.
Given Callum Wilson’s injury problems, it makes sense for Eddie Howe’s side to add a new centre-forward to their ranks. The Tyneside outfit are in talks with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin over a move, while they are also interested in January target Hugo Ekitike. At the same time, Newcastle are also looking at Joao Pedro as a potential target.
West Ham United have also shown an interest in the 20-year-old Watford striker as they look to add a backup option for Michail Antonio. The Hammers struggled without the lack of cover in the No. 9 slot in the recently concluded campaign and are scouring the market to address that issue, with several options being considered.
Joao Pedro is also believed to be a name under consideration at the London Stadium. Apart from Newcastle and West Ham United, Portuguese giants, Benfica are also interested in the 20-year-old Brazilian. And, Watford would be open to the possibility of cashing in on him this summer, provided suitors pay a sum of around €30-40 million.
Whether either Newcastle or West Ham decide to meet that valuation or look at other alternatives will be interesting to see.