Newcastle have emerged as favourites to sign Brighton’s 23‑year‑old Brazilian attacker Joao Pedro, with discussions advancing around a £60 million fee . Pedro reportedly wants Champions League football, and Newcastle’s qualification offers the stage he seeks .
Brighton appear ready to sell, particularly after securing Greek forward Charalampos Kostoulas as replacement . Despite a recent training-ground incident, both player and club consider the matter closed—and view Pedro’s talent as significant .
That puts Newcastle in pole position—but Chelsea have also entered the fray, scheming to “hijack” the deal . Newcastle must move fast before West London intervenes.
Why Joao Pedro Fits the Bill
Versatility: Pedro can play across the front line—central striker or wider forward—offering tactical flexibility .
Proven Premier League quality: He scored 10 goals in 27 appearances last season for Brighton .
Howe’s long-term interest: Eddie Howe has admired him since his early days as a coach, missing out when Pedro was at Watford .
For Newcastle, Pedro represents an ideal fit alongside Anthony Gordon on one flank and Alexander Isak centrally—combining creativity, finishing, and flexibility.
Alternatives: Mbeumo & Raphinha Also on Radar
Bryan Mbeumo – Brighton’s £60 million target
Brentford’s Cameroonian winger has enjoyed a stellar 2024–25 campaign with 18 goals and 7 assists, closely mirroring Gordon’s creative output .
Scouts and fans call him “fantastic” and a dream signing—a left-footed winger who cuts inside and completes passes, dribbles, and takes shots .
But Brentford’s valuation (+£60 million) makes the deal tricky, especially amid Newcastle’s other squad priorities—defence, midfield depth, Profit & Sustainability rules looming .
Raphinha – the £60 million “magician”
Barcelona winger Raphinha has been tagged the “magician” by observers. He registered 0.6 assists per 90, elite positioning in progressive passes (+4.3) and carries (+3.6), and ranks in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions .
Howe reportedly monitored him at Wembley during England v Brazil—possibly looking to blend flair with Gordon’s dynamic style . Yet the Catalan club’s financial needs could turn this into a bidding race, with Tottenham lurking, too
Analysis: What’s the Most Likely Path?
Focus on Pedro: Talks are already open, both player and club appear willing, and the £60 million price aligns with Newcastle’s valuation range.
Mbeumo would be excitement, but Brentford’s price tag—possibly exceeding £60 million—plus P&S constraints, makes a move more speculative.
Raphinha fits the “magical winger” archetype admirably, but competition and financial complexity may make Pedro a more pragmatic choice.
The Gordon Factor
Anthony Gordon was Newcastle’s most improved player in 2023–24, ending with 12 goals and 11 assists and earning Player of the Season . Pairing him with someone who can unlock defences—whether Pedro, Mbeumo, or Raphinha—would complete Eddie Howe’s ideal front‑three blueprint.
Verdict (500 words summary)
Newcastle are targeting a £60 million attacking upgrade capable of boosting the front line—and on paper, Joao Pedro stands out as the frontrunner. His versatility, form, and willingness to join make him a practical and exciting addition next to Gordon and Isak. Mbeumo and Raphinha remain high-quality alternatives, but pricing and competition tilt the odds in Pedro’s favour.
Securing a player who can stretch defences will transform Howe’s attack into one of the most exciting in the Premier League—and that “magical” player could land in Newcastle this summery
