‘I was praying’: Team-mate relieved that £25m star didn’t join Newcastle

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Watford’s former Newcastle United midfielder Dan Gosling admits he was ‘praying’ to see Joao Pedro’s £25 million move to the Premier League outfit fall through during the summer transfer window, speaking to The Chronicle. 

There was an almighty sigh of relief emanating from somewhere within Hertfordshire when Newcastle completed the £60 million record signing of Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak during the final week of August.  

The Saudi-backed Magpies, after all, only went all-in on Isak after their pursuit of another young forward hit the proverbial buffers. 

An initial £25 million deal between Newcastle and Watford for Joao Pedro, Fabrizio Romano says, was ‘100 per cent agreed’. The stylish Brazilian was even set to go undergo a medical on Tyneside. 

The transfer finally ‘collapsed’ once Isak signed on the dotted line instead, however. Much to the delight of a former Newcastle player, one who now shares a dressing room with Joao Pedro at Vicarage Road. 

Will Newcastle United return for Watford forward Joao Pedro in 2023?

“I’m not going to big him up too much to the Chronicle,” Gosling smiles “He’s rubbish!

“No, Joao is a top player. He’s someone so young. But, with the awareness and presence he’s got, he’s already a real player. He will only excel in a couple of years. I heard the gaffer (Slaven Bilic) talking about the 2026 World Cup and I can see it.  

“He’s really important for us.”

Joao Pedro, who took the Richarlison route from Brazil to Watford while still a teenager, has six goals and two assists this season for a Hornets side who went into the World Cup break sitting fourth in a Championship table packed tighter than a tin of sardines. 

With both he and Ismaila Sarr on board, there is a very real chance that Watford’s yo-yo club reputation will be enhanced in the New Year; promotion back to the big time a genuine possibility.  

“I knew about the speculation. I knew all about that,” Goslin adds. “There was firm interest, bids going in, so I was just praying (he stayed). I was glad Isak went. That stopped the Joao move to be honest.

“You never know in the future, but hopefully not in January. Joao wants to go to the very top and play in the Champions League.”