Newcastle have ‘agreed terms’ with ‘special’ attacker but Eddie Howe now faces problem – journalist

Newcastle United find themselves in an intriguing transfer predicament after reportedly agreeing personal terms with Brighton’s Joao Pedro, only to face potential competition from Chelsea and legitimate questions about how the Brazilian would fit into Eddie Howe’s system.

While the 23-year-old has expressed willingness to operate on the right wing, his career statistics reveal a player most effective through the middle – creating a fascinating dilemma for the Magpies’ recruitment team.

The attacking midfielder/striker has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising talents since arriving from Watford, with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler describing him as “special” last November.

Newcastle’s two bids – the latest being £50 million – have been rejected by the Seagulls, who value their star closer to £60 million. Chelsea’s late interest complicates matters further, though the player’s apparent preference for Tyneside offers encouragement.

Pedro’s positional versatility presents both opportunity and challenge for Howe:

This production breakdown reveals Pedro’s clear preference and effectiveness as a central attacker – a role already occupied by Newcastle’s talismanic Alexander Isak.

While the Brazilian’s technical quality suggests he could adapt to a wide role, his complete lack of goal contributions from the right flank raises valid concerns about whether this represents the best use of a potential club-record signing.

The situation creates an intriguing debate about Newcastle’s transfer strategy. With Bryan Mbeumo – a natural right-sided attacker – deemed too expensive earlier in the window, the Magpies must decide whether to persist with their pursuit of Pedro or redirect funds toward a more specialized wide player.

Pedro’s potential arrival would undoubtedly raise the squad’s overall quality, but could create an imbalance in Howe’s preferred 4-3-3 system.

Financially, the deal makes sense given Newcastle’s strong position and need for Champions League-caliber depth.

Pedro’s Premier League experience and versatility across multiple forward positions offer valuable insurance against injuries, while his age (23) fits the club’s recruitment profile perfectly.

However, the specter of Chelsea’s interest – and the player’s London preferences revealed by Brighton teammate Igor Julio – add another layer of complexity to negotiations.

As the transfer window progresses, Newcastle’s hierarchy faces a critical decision. Do they commit significant resources to a supremely talented player who may not fit their most pressing tactical need, or pivot toward a more natural right-wing solution? The answer could define their ability to compete on multiple fronts next season and beyond.

One thing remains clear – in Joao Pedro, Newcastle have identified a genuine difference-maker. Whether he represents the right difference-maker for their specific requirements is the question Eddie Howe must now answer.