‘Agreement reached’ – David Ornstein breaks Joao Pedro exclusive as Newcastle United receive huge transfer news

Newcastle United’s pursuit of Brighton forward Joao Pedro has ended in disappointment, with Chelsea poised to secure the Brazilian’s signature in a deal that delivers a significant setback to Eddie Howe’s summer recruitment plans.

The Magpies had identified the 23-year-old as a primary target, reviving interest from three years ago when they nearly signed him from Watford before pivoting to Alexander Isak instead.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports Chelsea have agreed a £50 million deal – strikingly similar to Newcastle’s rejected bid – with the player favoring a move to London.

Pedro is expected to undergo a medical imminently before signing a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge, leaving Newcastle to reassess their attacking options ahead of their Champions League return.

This failed transfer attempt carries particular frustration for Newcastle’s hierarchy. Pedro’s situation at Brighton appeared ripe for exploitation after a training ground incident saw him excluded from the Seagulls’ final matchday squad last season.

His versatility to operate as a central striker, number 10, or wide attacker made him an ideal candidate to provide competition across Howe’s frontline while offering crucial squad depth for European competition.

The saga echoes Newcastle’s 2022 transfer window when they abandoned their Pedro pursuit to sign Isak from Real Sociedad instead.

While that decision proved inspired – with the Swedish international developing into one of Europe’s most feared strikers – the Magpies had hoped to finally bring Pedro to Tyneside as both a complementary piece to Isak and potential successor to the departing Callum Wilson.

Chelsea’s ability to offer London living and European football matched Newcastle’s selling points, with the player’s personal preferences ultimately swaying the deal.

The Blues’ willingness to commit to a seven-year contract demonstrates their long-term vision for Pedro, who has evolved into a proven Premier League performer since his £30 million move from Watford, scoring 30 goals in 70 appearances for Brighton.

For Newcastle, this represents their first major transfer setback of the window, forcing a strategic rethink. With Pedro off the market, attention may now turn to alternative targets like Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga or potential overseas options.

Howe’s recruitment team faces increased pressure to deliver attacking reinforcements, particularly with Wilson’s expected departure and the demands of balancing domestic and European commitments next season.

The failed pursuit also highlights the growing competition for Premier League-proven talent, where factors beyond pure financial terms – like geography and contract length – can prove decisive.

As Newcastle regroup, this experience may prompt greater focus on identifying targets earlier in the window or exploring alternative markets before rival clubs become involved.

While missing out on Pedro stings, Newcastle’s recruitment team has demonstrated an ability to pivot successfully in past windows.

The challenge now is to identify another attacker who can provide similar tactical flexibility and immediate impact without the premium price tag that Premier League experience typically commands.

With the transfer window still in its early stages, there remains ample time for Newcastle to recover from this setback and secure the attacking reinforcements their ambitious campaign demands.