Why Eddie Howe must ignore what Joao Pedro has just told him as Newcastle United consider £60m bid

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Joao Pedro could quite feasibly swap Brighton for Newcastle this summer.

The Magpies are in the market for a new attacker after Callum Wilson saw his contract expire, and the signs are promising.

TBR Football understand Pedro has told Newcastle he is even willing to play on the right in order to push through a move to Tyneside this summer, despite traditionally operating as a central striker.

A “massive fallout” between the Brazil international and Jan Paul van Hecke has also nudged the forward closer to the Amex Stadium exit door.

While it should flatter Eddie Howe to hear that Joao Pedro is willing to change his position to join Newcastle this summer, the Magpies boss would be minded to ignore the offer.

Joao Pedro has previously struggled to shine on the right flank

There is little evidence to suggest the Brazilian would do well for Newcastle on the right wing.

Pedro has previously made just five appearances in that area throughout his career, failing to score or even assist a goal.

In comparison, the Brighton No.9 has netted 44 goals when playing down the middle as either a centre-forward or a support striker, across 139 appearances in these positions.

Harvey Barnes ended the 2024/25 campaign playing on the right for Newcastle – a man who has waited patiently for his chance in the starting XI – so on this evidence, it would be a shock if Howe displaces the England international to use Pedro in that area.

Newcastle United would be better served using Joao Pedro on the left

Anthony Gordon is a regular for Newcastle on the left of attack, but in the instances where Howe needs to alter his side or rest the England international, Pedro could be a suitable option.

As opposed to his experiences on the right, the 23-year-old has previously had more joy on the left, scoring 14 goals in 40 games on that side of the pitch, where he can cut inside on his stronger right foot to devastating effect.

How much Brighton want for Joao Pedro

We understand Brighton value Pedro at a sum of £60m – double what the Seagulls paid to sign him from Watford back in June 2023.

However, Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent at TBR Football – believes the man born in Sao Paulo could end up leaving for slightly less, due to the fallout with Van Hecke.

In the meantime, Brighton have bid £34m for another striker in Charalampos Kostoulas, a potential sign that the Seagulls are preparing to sell Pedro.