Prem rivals confirm they’ve beaten Newcastle and Everton to £30m deal

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Newcastle United and Everton have now officially missed out on Joao Pedro with Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion confirming the Watford star’s arrival on a club-record £30 million deal.

The Hornets would have known, deep down, that failure to bounce back from relegation at the first time of asking would cost them their chances of keeping Pedro at Vicarage Road for another campaign.

And, with Chris Wilder’s side out of play-off contention ahead of Monday’s final day, the former Fluminense youngster is leaving his team-mates behind as he prepares to return to big time without Watford.  

“Joao has been a long-term target of ours,” Brighton’s technical director David Weir says, the 21-year-old signing a five-year deal while becoming the Seagulls’ new record signing (talkSPORT). 

“He has also attracted a lot of interest from across Europe. So, we are delighted to have reached an agreement. It is great for Joao that he can focus on the new season, with his immediate future settled.” 

Newcastle and Everton miss out as Brighton sign Joao Pedro

Newcastle, according to Sky Sports, saw a big-money offer of their own rejected by Watford in August 2022. Eddie Howe’s side were still interested as recently as last month, per The Chronicle, but have now been pipped to the post by a Brighton side who’s unbelievable’ recruitment has seen them turn players like Pedro into some of the Premier League’s best in recent times. 

“He’s a brilliant young talent,” Weir adds. “Technically very good, quick and with an eye for goal. He will complement our existing forward line very well. He also has settled well here, with good experience of both the Premier League and Championship and more than 100 games for Watford.

“We are really looking forward to starting work with him in pre-season.”

Everton, according to The Telegraph, are also admirers of Joao Pedro. A £30 million price-tag meant the cash-strapped Toffees were always outside candidates, however, especially as Financial Fair Play concerns loom over Goodison Park.