Newcastle United are reportedly set to revisit their ‘concrete’ interest in Watford’s Brazilian forward Joao Pedro in the upcoming January transfer window.
Newcastle United will resume their pursuit of Watford’s versatile attacker, Joao Pedro, in the January transfer window. That’s according to Football Insider, which claims the Magpies have been monitoring the Brazilian attacker despite their failed pursuit of the player in the summer market.
The 21-year-old was on the cusp of sealing a blockbuster £30 million move to Newcastle United last summer, with Magpies boss Eddie Howe desperately keen to add to his attacking repertoire back then, with a young and versatile forward thought to be on his radar.
Pedro checked a lot of boxes, including the ability to play in a variety of attacking positions and having significant experience playing in English football with Watford.
While he was far from a prolific customer in front of goal, he impressed in the Premier League and showcased flashes of his Brazilian brilliance last season, despite the Hornets succumbing to relegation and dropping into the Championship this term.
However, as things turned out, the transfer move never materialized. Watford dug their heels in, maintained their “not for sale” stance, and ultimately got their wish of keeping their prized forward. Newcastle instead decided to splash the cash on Swedish attacking sensation Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad in a deal worth around £58 million.
Newcastle were not the only team interested in Pedro. Everton also enquired about the forward, while Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Leicester, and Wolves were all keeping track of the developments. However, in a surprise move, Pedro committed his future at Vicarage Road until 2028.
However, Newcastle remain interested in signing Pedro and are preparing to come back with another offer when the transfer market reopens in January, having kept a close eye on the forward’s progress in the Championship since the summer.
Pedro was instrumental in ensuring that the Hornets did not remain in the Championship for a long last time out. In 38 appearances during the 2020/21 season, he found the back of the net nine times and provided two assists in what was the the teenager’s debut season in English football.
He has remained a key player for the Golden Boys in the second tier this time around as well, scoring six goals and providing two assists in 17 Championship appearances so far. These numbers will undoubtedly significantly increase throughout the entire season if he were to stay at Watford as he continues to shine brightly in his new-found No. 10 role.
Newcastle United are currently flying high in the Premier League, sitting third in the table during the World Cup break. The Magpies will be looking to bring in a few fresh faces to maintain their momentum, but at the same time, they are keen to assemble a young squad. Signing someone of Pedro’s incredible potential seems like a no-brainer in that regard.
Pedro has the ability to glide, dribble past defenders with ease, and propel his team up the pitch in transition with explosive running. In terms of comparison, his style and attributes are very similar to those of Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus: he is dribble-heavy, works his socks off in pressing from the front, and can make things happen, albeit he is not the most potent of scorers.
