Newcastle United have reportedly reached a full agreement with Watford for 20-year-old Brazilian striker Joao Pedro in a deal worth up to £30 million.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United are close to completing their fourth senior signing of the summer transfer window after reaching a total agreement with Watford for the £30 million capture of versatile attacker Joao Pedro.
Newcastle United were expected to spend big this summer, but they have been very quiet in the transfer market. Indeed, they have only made three acquisitions so far, signing long-term target Sven Botman, as well as Matt Targett and Nick Pope. But it now appears they are closing in on their fourth transfer of the summer, having reached a full agreement with Watford over a move for Joao Pedro.
After falling short in the chase to acquire Hugo Ekitike, Eddie Howe has been patient in his pursuit of a new striker and identified Pedro as the top attacking target since early last week. Pedro’s potential Newcastle move seems to have been in the pipeline for some time. The Magpies have held extensive talks with Watford about the 20-year-old, who scored three goals in 31 Premier League outings for the Hornets last term.
But both clubs were unable to reach an agreement over a fee despite lengthy discussions. Newcastle reportedly tried to get the 20-year-old for around £20 million before finding that the Hornets were demanding around £30 million and are in no rush to cash in on the Brazilian until someone arrives at the table with their valuation, having already sold Emmanuel Dennis to Nottingham Forest. The Tyneside-based outfit also had subsequent offers turned down by Watford.
João Pedro to Newcastle, done deal and here we go! Full agreement as Watford have now accepted final, official bid worth £25m fixed fee, £5m add-ons. ?⚪️⚫️?? #NUFC
Deal will also include sell-on clause for 10%. Personal terms already, as been told contract will be until 2028. pic.twitter.com/MejBeGtHQO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 22, 2022
But Pedro, who began his career at Fluminense in Brazil before joining Watford in January 2020, was always keen on the idea of returning to the Premier League with Newcastle, after Watford’s relegation to the Championship. The 20-year-old wants to join compatriots Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton at Newcastle, with the Magpies also insistent on bringing him to St. James’ Park.
Their perseverance has now borne rewards as according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have struck an agreement with Watford to sign Pedro in a deal worth £25 million fixed fee plus £5 million add-ons. Watford would be entitled to a 10% sell-on fee, and personal terms are said to have been finalised.
The North-East outfit are set to tie Pedro down to a long-term contract at St. James’ Park until 2028, with an official announcement due in the coming days. The 20-year-old is still very young and has a lot of room to develop further. He will have plenty of competitors for a place in the starting eleven, with veterans Callum Wilson and Chris Wood being the experienced options.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa were in negotiations with Watford’s Ismaila Sarr about a possible move, but it appears that deal has fallen through even though everything was agreed between the two clubs. That seems to pushed Watford to go ahead with Pedro’s sale. Anyways, Newcastle United have managed to pull off a great deal for a promising and versatile attacker.
