Newcastle United are reportedly preparing an improved bid worth £25 million plus add-ons to sign Watford’s versatile Brazilian striker Joao Pedro.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are preparing a new bid worth £25 million plus add-ons for Joao Pedro, who is open to returning to moving to St. James’ Park. The Magpies have seen a bid of around £20 million plus £3 million in add-ons knocked back by Watford for the versatile Brazilian striker, although they are expected to go back in with a second offer.
The 20-year-old joined the Hornets from Fluminense in the winter transfer window of 2020 and netted nine goals as they achieved promotion from the EFL Championship in the 2020/21 season. Pedro registered three goals and one assist in his first full season in the Premier League as Watford were relegated last season.
Watford insist that the Brazilian is not for sale and are not keen on parting with the player, who still has nearly five years left on his contract. Pedro has become an integral part of Rob Edwards’s Watford side, starting all three of their Championship games this season, scoring once.
But that all does not seem to have fazed Newcastle’s interest as they desperately look to bring in another attacker. Recent reports have suggested that a price of around £30 million may be enough to lure Watford into selling their prized asset, who is also being courted by Leeds United and Crystal Palace.
Newcastle are preparing a new proposal for João Pedro after opening bid around £20m plus £3m add-ons turned down few days ago. Discussions with Watford will continue this week. ?⚪️⚫️ #NUFC
Watford will decide soon – also, Crystal Palace interest in Ismaila Sarr is confirmed. pic.twitter.com/T2uEmMuJSo
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2022
Newcastle’s latest offer could get really close to that reported Watford valuation. The Toon chiefs are now ready to raise their bid for Pedro by £5 million guaranteed, apart from performance-related add-ons.
Pedro has emerged as the Magpies’ latest attacking target this summer, following the failure of approaches for players like Arnaud Kalimuendo, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike as Eddie Howe eyes more attacking additions before the end of the transfer window.
The former Fluminense man’s ability to play wide on the left or right, his intelligence and his hard-working attitude are big factors why the Newcastle boss views Pedro as the ideal youngster to compete for a place in the squad with the current senior options, Chris Wood and Callum Wilson.
Newcastle also have a strong contingent of South American players like the Brazilian duo of Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton, as well as Miguel Almiron and Santiago Munoz. That is part of the reason why the versatile Brazilian striker is so keen on moving to St. James’ Park.
While his poor goalscoring record has raised many eyebrows among the Newcastle fanbase, his link-up play, ability on the ball, dribbling ability, and work-rate, truly stand out. And, at 20 years old, Pedro will only get better with more top-level experience under his belt.
Also, last season, he was mostly deployed in wider areas rather than his favoured position. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see whether Newcastle’s latest offer will convince the Watford to part ways with their striking prodigy.
