Newcastle United have to listen to what Troy Deeney has said about Joao Pedro, it’ll make their mind up
As Newcastle United prepare to open negotiations with Brighton for João Pedro, the wisdom of former teammate Troy Deeney should resonate through the corridors of St James’ Park.
Deeney’s glowing 2024 assessment of the Brazilian attacker – “He’s destined to go to the very, very top” – wasn’t mere hyperbole but a prescient recognition of a talent whose versatility could transform Eddie Howe’s attacking options ahead of their Champions League campaign.
Pedro’s potential arrival addresses multiple strategic needs for Newcastle simultaneously.
At 23, he represents both immediate quality and long-term value, capable of serving as competition for Alexander Isak while offering tactical flexibility that Callum Wilson’s impending departure leaves sorely lacking.
Deeney’s insight about Pedro’s ability to “play anywhere across the top three lines” takes on particular significance for a Newcastle side that often struggled to break down defensive opponents last season.
Pedro’s signing would give Howe unprecedented flexibility in attack:
- Dual Threat System – Deploying Pedro alongside Isak in a 4-4-2 could overwhelm defenses with movement and interplay
- Wide Creativity – His ability to drift wide right creates space for Isak while maintaining goal threat
- Midfield Link – Dropping deeper as a 10 in 4-2-3-1 could unleash Bruno Guimarães further forward
- Formation Fluidity – In-game switches between systems without substitutions
This adaptability solves Newcastle’s chronic over-reliance on Isak last season, where the Swedish striker accounted for 38% of their Premier League goals.
Pedro’s 15-goal haul for Brighton demonstrates he can share the scoring burden while creating for others – something Wilson managed just 8 times in an injury-plagued campaign.
Why Deeney’s Endorsement Matters
Having shared a dressing room with Pedro at Watford, Deeney’s analysis carries unique weight. His observation that “you can’t tell what his best position is” speaks to the Brazilian’s football intelligence – a quality that separates good players from truly elite ones.
In an era where tactical systems evolve mid-game, having attackers who instinctively understand multiple roles becomes invaluable.
Pedro’s willingness to operate on the right flank, as reported by Geordie Boot Boys, further underscores his team-first mentality.
This attitude aligns perfectly with Howe’s demand for players who prioritize collective success over individual glory – a cultural fit as crucial as any technical attribute.
Financial and Strategic Implications
While the reported £55 million fee represents significant investment, Pedro’s age and Premier League pedigree make him a safer bet than unproven imports. His arrival would also allow Newcastle to:
- Phase out Wilson’s wages from their structure
- Avoid overplaying Isak and risking burnout
- Maintain domestic quota requirements
- Preserve funds for other key areas (center-back, right-wing)
The failed pursuit of Liam Delap at £30 million now appears fortuitous rather than disappointing. While Delap offered pure striker depth, Pedro provides multifaceted solutions that could elevate Newcastle’s entire attacking approach.
As negotiations progress, Newcastle’s hierarchy would do well to remember Deeney’s words. In a transfer market increasingly dominated by specialists, securing a player of Pedro’s adaptable brilliance represents a rare opportunity to future-proof their attack while addressing immediate needs.
His potential partnership with Isak could become the Premier League’s most dynamic duo – provided Newcastle act decisively to make this vision a reality.
The coming weeks will reveal whether St James’ Park becomes the stage where João Pedro fulfills his destiny to reach “the very top.”
For Eddie Howe’s evolving Newcastle, securing such a complete attacker might just be the masterstroke that transforms them from top-four hopefuls to genuine contenders.