Newcastle United will reportedly need to shell out £30 million to sign Joao Pedro from Watford this summer.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle United will have to fork out £30 million to sign Joao Pedro from Watford in the ongoing transfer window. The Magpies are contemplating a renewed offer after having a £20 million opening bid for the versatile Brazilian attacker swiftly rejected by the Championship outfit.
A product of the Fluminense academy, Joao Pedro joined Watford in the winter transfer window of 2020 for a nominal fee. The 20-year-old drew the attention of some of the biggest European giants back then after earning comparisons to Richarlison. But he has been a slow burner during his time at Vicarage Road thus far.
To date, Pedro has featured 77 times in all competitions for the Hornets, netting 14 goals and setting up five more. Last season in the Premier League, the versatile Brazilian forward started 15 games (plus 13 substitute appearances), scoring three goals and grabbing one assist.
While his returns might have been poor, the youngster has managed to catch the eye of several Premier League clubs with his dribbling, work-rate, and link-up play, as he is naturally comfortable with the ball at his feet. Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Leeds United have all been recently linked with a move for the Brazilian.
Newcastle, for one, have already made an opening play for Pedro after tabling an opening £20 million bid for the Brazilian forward. However, the Magpies have been unable to get the Hornets to negotiate a deal for the Fluminense academy product. Watford knocked back Newcastle’s proposal, with the Hertfordshire club insisting he is not for sale this summer.
Newcastle are pushing to sign João Pedro from Watford. New proposal expected ‘soon’ after opening bid rejected, as @skysports_sheth called today. ?⚪️⚫️ #NUFC
Been told first proposal was £20m plus £3m add-ons. Newcastle will try again soon. pic.twitter.com/NzlogAXBVT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2022
The Hornets have already lost Emmanuel Dennis to Nottingham Forest, while explosive winger Ismaila Sarr, courted by Manchester United among other clubs, is being linked with a move away from Vicarage Road. So it is understandable that they do not want to lose their rough diamond in Pedro, with Rob Edwards banking on him to fire them to the top flight at the first time of asking.
Newcastle’s struggles to secure a long-term striking option has been frustrating, to say the least. And it is hindering the squad’s re-building process at St. James’ Park. They have so far failed with moves for Hugo Ekitike, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Sekou Mara and many others.
Eddie Howe currently has just Callum Wilson and Chris Wood as his options through the centre of the forward line. At 20, Pedro certainly fits the profile of what Newcastle have been searching for – a young promising attacking talent who can operate out wide and through the middle. Newcastle have previously demonstrated they will not be shy to walk away from any move that significantly exceeds their valuation.
However, there seems to be still life left in this latest rumour, with Football Insider revealing that the Magpies have been told to up their bid to £30 million if they desire to sign Pedro, who Howe considers a top priority target before the window slams shut. It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will return with an improved bid for the versatile Brazilian forward.
