Report: Newcastle in advanced talks to sign ‘superstar’ forward, personal terms discussed

Newcastle United appear poised to finally land their long-term attacking target Joao Pedro, with negotiations with Brighton & Hove Albion reaching an advanced stage ahead of the Magpies’ preseason preparations.

The Brazilian forward, who came agonizingly close to joining Newcastle three years ago before opting for Brighton, now stands on the verge of completing his belated move to Tyneside in what could become the club’s first major signing of the summer.

ChronicleLive reports reveal high-level discussions between the two Premier League clubs have significantly progressed, though a £10 million valuation gap remains.

Brighton’s £60 million asking price reflects both the 23-year-old’s impressive development and the 20% sell-on clause owed to his former club Watford.

Newcastle’s initial £50 million bid fell short of the Seagulls’ expectations, but the structure of payments and potential add-ons could bridge the financial divide.

Pedro’s situation at the Amex Stadium appears increasingly untenable following his exclusion from Brighton’s final matchday squad last season after a reported training ground incident.

This development, combined with Newcastle’s persistent interest, has created ideal conditions for a transfer. The three-cap Brazilian international would welcome the opportunity to reignite a move that nearly materialized in 2022, offering Eddie Howe’s side much-needed versatility across the frontline.

The potential acquisition carries particular significance as it represents one of outgoing sporting director Paul Mitchell’s final contributions before his departure.

Mitchell reportedly laid substantial groundwork for the deal, identifying Pedro as an ideal candidate to bolster Newcastle’s attacking options ahead of their Champions League return.

His 10 goals and 6 assists last Premier League campaign, coupled with an 8.90 expected goals (xG) output, demonstrate the consistent threat he would bring to St. James’ Park.

Chelsea’s lingering interest provides an element of competition, though the West London club have yet to formalize their admiration with a concrete offer.

Newcastle’s head start in negotiations and Pedro’s apparent willingness to join give the Magpies a crucial advantage in what could become a bidding war for the talented forward.

For Eddie Howe, securing Pedro’s signature would address multiple squad concerns simultaneously. The Brazilian’s ability to operate effectively both as a central striker and left winger – evidenced by his 10 appearances in the latter position for Brighton – offers tactical flexibility that Newcastle lacked during their injury-plagued previous campaign.

His arrival would primarily facilitate the natural transition from veteran Callum Wilson, whose contract expires imminently, rather than impacting Alexander Isak’s position as the club’s undisputed first-choice striker.

Isak’s own future remains a separate but equally pressing matter for Newcastle’s hierarchy. The Swedish talisman’s outstanding 23-goal season has attracted attention from Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona, prompting the Magpies to prepare a club-record contract extension that would elevate him among the Premier League’s highest earners.

Retaining Isak while adding Pedro’s quality would represent a statement of intent as Newcastle prepare to compete on four fronts next season.

Statistically, Pedro profiles as an ideal complement to Newcastle’s existing attacking options. His 1.1 successful dribbles per game (38% success rate) and 3.3 ground duels won (44% success) demonstrate his ability to contribute in build-up play, while creating 11 big chances highlights his creative instincts.

These attributes would ease the creative burden on Bruno Guimarães while providing Isak with a more natural strike partner than the departing Wilson.

As preseason training looms, Newcastle’s recruitment team faces increasing pressure to finalize the deal. Howe ideally wants Pedro integrated before the squad departs for their summer training camp, allowing maximum time to adapt to the manager’s tactical demands.

The coming days will prove crucial in determining whether Newcastle can meet Brighton’s valuation or if Chelsea’s potential intervention could complicate matters.

For Joao Pedro personally, the move represents an opportunity to fulfill the potential that first attracted Newcastle’s interest years ago, now with the added incentive of Champions League football.

His potential arrival would signal Newcastle’s ambition to compete at the highest level while maintaining a sustainable transfer model – paying premium prices for proven Premier League quality rather than gambling on unproven talent from abroad.

With the transfer window heating up, this developing saga promises to be one of the summer’s most intriguing narratives.

Newcastle’s ability to close the deal could set the tone for their entire window, demonstrating their pulling power and financial muscle while addressing one of their most pressing squad needs. The next week may well determine whether this long-awaited transfer finally comes to fruition.