Sky Sports: Newcastle now want to sign £100M Premier League ‘superstar’, he’s close friends with Bruno

Newcastle United have set their sights on Brighton’s Brazilian sensation Joao Pedro as they prepare for a transformative summer transfer window.

Fresh from securing Champions League football and ending their 70-year trophy drought with Carabao Cup glory, the Magpies are ready to flex their financial muscle without the constraints of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) concerns that previously hampered their ambitions.

The 24-year-old striker finds himself at a career crossroads after a training ground altercation with teammate Jan Paul Van Hecke saw him axed from Brighton’s final two matches of the season.

This disciplinary incident has opened the door for potential suitors, with Newcastle emerging as serious contenders for his signature.

Sky Sports reports that Pedro desires guaranteed starting opportunities at his next club – a potential sticking point given Alexander Isak’s undisputed status as Newcastle’s first-choice center forward.

Newcastle’s Brazilian connection could prove decisive in negotiations. Club captain Bruno Guimarães shares a close friendship with Pedro off the pitch, a relationship the Magpies hierarchy hopes to leverage in convincing the striker to choose Tyneside.

While Brighton may demand a staggering £100 million for their prized asset, Newcastle’s negotiators believe they can secure the deal for significantly less given the circumstances surrounding Pedro’s potential departure.

Joao Pedro’s 2024/25 Season Performance Breakdown

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored – correct as of 03/06/2025

Pedro’s Premier League campaign yielded an impressive 10 goals and 6 assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute consistently at the highest level.

His versatility to operate across the frontline makes him an attractive proposition for Eddie Howe, who values tactical flexibility in his attacking players.

However, the Brazilian’s potential arrival would require careful squad management to keep both him and Isak satisfied with their playing time.

The proposed transfer represents a bold statement of intent from Newcastle as they prepare to compete on multiple fronts next season.

While the financial outlay would be substantial, Pedro’s age, top-flight experience, and room for development make him a more calculated investment than some of the club’s previous big-money signings.

With several European clubs also monitoring the situation, Newcastle must move decisively to secure their man and avoid another summer of what-ifs.

As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on St. James’ Park to see if they can pull off this ambitious coup and add another dimension to their already formidable attack.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Pedro’s friendship with Guimarães and Newcastle’s upward trajectory can outweigh the competition for his signature.