Joao Pedro does not favour Newcastle United move as bombshell confession made public

Newcastle United’s pursuit of Brighton forward Joao Pedro has hit a significant roadblock, with revelations emerging about the Brazilian’s preferred destination.

The 23-year-old’s close confidant and Brighton teammate Igor Julio has publicly disclosed that Pedro dreams of a move to London, dealing a substantial setback to the Magpies’ summer recruitment plans.

The disclosure comes at an inopportune moment for Newcastle, who had identified Pedro as a prime target to bolster their attacking options ahead of their Champions League campaign.

This interest isn’t new – the club came agonizingly close to securing his signature three years ago following Watford’s relegation, only to pivot towards what became their record-breaking acquisition of Alexander Isak.

Brighton’s valuation presents another formidable obstacle in any potential deal. The Seagulls have established their reputation as tough negotiators through premium sales of Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella, and their £70 million price tag for Pedro reflects this trend.

While the Brazilian’s modest return of 10 goals across all competitions last season might raise eyebrows at that valuation, his adaptability across multiple forward positions makes him an attractive prospect for clubs preparing for European commitments.

Julio’s candid remarks to Trivela paint a clear picture of Pedro’s aspirations: “He always told me that he really wants to live in London, so I think he will prioritize what comes from there first.”

This admission will undoubtedly encourage London-based suitors, with Chelsea reportedly monitoring the situation.

The Brighton defender even ventured his own recommendation, suggesting Liverpool as an ideal destination due to their consistent Champions League participation and Premier League competitiveness – though he acknowledged this reflects his personal ambitions rather than Pedro’s preferences.

The situation presents a complex dilemma for Newcastle’s recruitment team. While Pedro’s technical profile and Premier League experience make him an appealing target, the combination of Brighton’s steep asking price and the player’s geographical preferences may force the Magpies to reconsider their strategy.

This development comes at a time when the club’s ownership has demonstrated a more measured approach to transfers compared to their initial post-takeout spending spree.

Newcastle now face a critical decision: whether to persist with their pursuit and attempt to sway Pedro’s mind with the promise of Champions League football and a central role in Eddie Howe’s project, or to redirect their attention to alternative targets better aligned with their financial parameters and the player’s motivations.

As the summer window progresses, this transfer saga may serve as a telling indicator of Newcastle’s ability to attract top talent despite their growing stature in English football.

For Joao Pedro, the coming weeks will determine whether his London aspirations materialize or whether other factors – such as playing time, European competition, or financial terms – ultimately shape his next career move. One certainty remains: Newcastle’s recruitment team must now weigh whether overcoming both financial and personal obstacles represents a worthwhile investment in their quest to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.